May / June /July, 2021
May started out on a down note. Barb continued to have abdominal pain. After a number of CT scans, x-rays, and a colonoscopy she was sent to a surgeon. That ended boating for the summer. She had abdominal surgery to remove an intestinal blockage. Her digestive track was really cleaned out after all these procedures. Summer plans were quickly scrapped and new plans made. Surgery was successful but post-surgery complications kept Barb in the hospital for 8 days.
Jeanette (Dave’s sister) flew down to be with us for two weeks after Barb came home. She was a godsend . Barb returned home on May 31 (Memorial Day). On a Liquid/ soft food diet, an abdominal brace and more than 20 abdominal staples. The new routine included lots of liquids, lots of walking (at a slow pace) and lots of bed rest. June was a washout. We celebrated 51 years with apple juice on June 20 – no anniversary dinner. July was better, Barb started to have more strength and her QOV sewing buddies came over to do small amounts of group sewing, pinning and gossip. The abdominal brace wasn’t comfortable (think about wearing a back brace 24 /7 and you have an idea of how restrictive you are in bending and moving). Barb continued to lose weight. July 27 was get out of jail day! The surgeon released her with restrictions which didn’t include wearing the brace all the time. Free at last! Feeling much better and no pain! Dave was a trouper during this whole time period.
Jeanette (Dave’s sister) flew down to be with us for two weeks after Barb came home. She was a godsend . Barb returned home on May 31 (Memorial Day). On a Liquid/ soft food diet, an abdominal brace and more than 20 abdominal staples. The new routine included lots of liquids, lots of walking (at a slow pace) and lots of bed rest. June was a washout. We celebrated 51 years with apple juice on June 20 – no anniversary dinner. July was better, Barb started to have more strength and her QOV sewing buddies came over to do small amounts of group sewing, pinning and gossip. The abdominal brace wasn’t comfortable (think about wearing a back brace 24 /7 and you have an idea of how restrictive you are in bending and moving). Barb continued to lose weight. July 27 was get out of jail day! The surgeon released her with restrictions which didn’t include wearing the brace all the time. Free at last! Feeling much better and no pain! Dave was a trouper during this whole time period.
April, 2021
New daily exercise routine is starting to get better. Physical therapy continued till mid-April. Barb is working hard to finish making some QOV tops and get them pinned and off to quilters. Dave is getting really serious about going to the boat – he made reservations for docking in a few Michigan towns. We may travel more than last year. We talked with boating friends about summer boating and places we want to go. Not sure if Canada will open up so travel may be more limited.
We had first and only boat at our dock near the end of April. Ron and Charma (DF members) came in for a couple of days. We had a great time at the house but didn’t try to set up a large party. We are still being cautious about Covid.
The month ended with Barb having digestive issues - so off to see Gastro doctor. Barb isn’t having a good spring!
We had first and only boat at our dock near the end of April. Ron and Charma (DF members) came in for a couple of days. We had a great time at the house but didn’t try to set up a large party. We are still being cautious about Covid.
The month ended with Barb having digestive issues - so off to see Gastro doctor. Barb isn’t having a good spring!