Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Wandering off the healthcare path...

Normally I write about my experiences with caring for my husband and the things I am learning as we journey through this disease. Today I am wandering from that path to share a slice of my day with you.
I was welcomed to my bathroom this morning by a very cold, very wet, very soggy, rug. One of the nuts holding the tank to the toilet bowl had broken off from the bolt and the water from the tank had drained onto the floor. Off went the water, the rug went into the tub and I cleaned up the flood. Ok- I’ll just throw on some clothes, pop into the local hardware store for parts, fix the darn thing and go about the rest of my day. Easy, right?
Well, after 3 trips to the store (how was I to know that toilet bolts aren’t one size fits all) I have the correct size and can replace both bolts. I go to my shed, get all the tools I need and I’m ready to go. But, first, I have to get hubby ready for the day and all settled in. And I have to get my morning coffee that I haven’t gotten to yet!!!
Coffee pot (single cup) is on and I’m helping hubby with his suction machine. Hmmmmm- it’s not suctioning right… hmph-let’s see what’s wrong… machine pressure is ok, tubes are clear, wand is clean…what the heck? Ahhhh- the canister has a hairline crack and there’s no vacuum. Off with the bad one, on with the new and all is well. Back for the coffee……yeck- it’s lukewarm….better start a new cup. In the meantime, back to the bathroom.
Agggh- got one bolt off but the other is being stubborn. There’s always one, isn’t there?
Got to get my coffee. I pull the cup out and instead of nice, fresh great looking coffee I see what looks like swamp water. Duh- I forgot to put in the coffee. OK- let’s do this one more time…..water..check, coffee…CHECK….cup…check. While I’m in the kitchen I make a quick lunch for hubby…..yes, it’s now lunch time. I’ve been to the store 3 times, gotten hubby dressed, fixed the suction machine, am working on the toilet and still have NOT had my coffee!!!!!!!!!
Back out to the shed for better pliers and back to the bathroom. I…cannot…get…this…thing…off!!! I’m now on my back, on the floor, under the toilet tank…ewww… I really need to clean back here a little better…and beginning to sound like a sailor. No luck. The darn thing is not budging. I WANT MY COFFEE!
Before I get to the kitchen hubby is asking for some help. No problem….I need a break anyway.
An hour later he’s all taken care of, settled back in his chair and I’m on my way back to the kitchen to make another attempt at some caffeine!!!! I dump the cold stuff into the sink and start ANOTHER cup.
Now armed with a can of WD-40 I enter the bathroom to continue the war with the toilet tank bolt. One spray onto the bolt and…damn, the phone is ringing. “Hello....no, honey, I’m not busy…of course I’ll pick you up from school. I’m on my way.” Time-out to rescue a grandson who has missed the last bus from school.
Ninety minutes later I’m on my way back to continue the war with the bolt. The WD-40 should have really soaked in by now. Ooops- forgot to give hubby the afternoon medications, now I have to make a special mixture to tube feed them into him. That WD-40 will really be soaked in!
Pliers, screwdriver, drill driver, wrenches,WD-40, bolts, nuts, washers, towels and a bucket all give my bathroom the appearance of a hardware store. And I still cannot loosen this bolt. One more time and then that’s it….I give up! Wait...Wait...can it be...is it really...yes, yes, it’s moving!!!! The nut is moving…..HOORAY- it’s OFF!!!!!!
Whew…
Fifteen minutes later both new bolts and all the washers and nuts are in, tightened down and the toilet tank is filled with water. The toilet works, there’s no flood on the floor and now it’s time for dinner. I’m going into the kitchen to prepare dinner and Get My Coffee!!!
The day probably would have gone so much easier if I had just gotten my coffee FIRST!!!!

14 comments:

  1. Oh sweetie as hard a day as you had I am glad to see "normal" everyday things were keeping you busy....well mostly normal.
    You sound like you are handling everything so very well and I am so happy for you. I think you are coming out of the dark side and the worse may be over, that is what I am praying for, for both you and George. I do hope you get to relax a bit tomorrow but your attitude my friend will see you through regardless. Keeping you both in my heart and prayers....
    : )Hugs

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  2. Daily life can keep us busy and on our toes, or in your case on the run and on your back. I'm glad you can post about it with humor and not let the everyday annoyances get you down! Just think of them as great posting material.

    I do hope tomorrow is an exceptionally good day for you and George!
    Take care....Wanda

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  3. What a day you had!
    But all's well that ends well!
    I'm sure tomorrow will be a better day!
    I like how you told this not so good day with humor!
    Humor can be very good medicine!

    Take good care and I send you my very best wishes for much joy, laughter and of-course love!

    Margie:)

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  4. It was so good to hear you talk about the day you had with humor. Humor puts a smile on the face.
    I hope your day with George is full of laughter and joy.
    Take care.

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  5. Oh Dear, you had one of THOSE days! I must admit however, that I am very proud of your plumbing skills as I have zilch when it comes to plumbing!
    Hopefully things will start running smoother for you know that that mess is out of the way!
    Love Di

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  6. My, I am tired just reading about your day... great that you can laugh about it.

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  7. I have just come back to read again and it really makes me smile to think that you were still smiling after all of that. Pretty amazing :0)

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  8. Thinking of you, Quieten, and keeping you in my good thoughts.

    Margie :)

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  9. Quieten, you haven't posted in a while, I do hope George is okay. I have been thinking about you so thought I would pop in and say hello. Take care sweetie.......:-) Hugs

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  10. Hello, dearest Quieten!!!! Oh, can I relate to this post!!!! Wow!!! I remember when...but it's a loooong story...And so while I was so sorry to read of such a day for you, I was smiling and nodding the whole time I read this!!!! Very witty!! You definitely have a flair for telling a good story!!! And I'm with you ALLLLL the way...my day is no good without my three cups of caffeine first thing in the morn...sigh...I'm baaad! So, so glad George is done with radiation...now another tough job--recovery!!! Have been continuing to pray for you both!!! Love you so very much!!!! Janine XO

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  11. Quieten, just checking in to see if there was an update......I am praying all is okay and that you are just busy but I am a bit concerned about you both......:-)Hugs

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  12. Hello Quieten
    As Bernie is, I too am concerned!
    It's been a while since you posted.
    Hope all is ok.

    Margie x

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  13. Stopped by to say I've thought of you often and hope to hear from you soon. Will watch for a post Quieten.
    Wanda

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  14. Hi Quieten, just popped in to say hello and let you know I am thinking of you. You have been gone so long, I have been keeping you in my prayers and you have been in my thoughts so very much......:-) Hugs

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