Today is a very sad day for the Tunis family because our beloved Monkey is now in kitty heaven with family and friends playing with toys and catnip and climbing trees and trying to catch squirrels and birds. Monkey was an inside cat who always wanted to explore the great outdoors! Now she can !
One of my favorite books is Judith Viorst's The Tenth Good Thing About Barney (a family's cat died) Here's some good things about Monk
1. She never killed a bird or mouse or ate them.
2. Monkey always used her litter boxes ..always
3. Monkey loved tuna from Bagel City and chicken from Popeyes
4. Not a finicky eater, (like Morris). liked any brand, any kind, canned or dry
5. made herself comfortable in any cardboard box, especially boxes that were a little too small
6. The top of the cat tree was her favorite perch
7. Meowed melodically
8. Monkey kept her figure svelte and toned
9. Always waited at the door to greet visitors (and try a daring escape)
10. Monkey was warm and soft and loving
We will miss Miss Monkey Business
taking a nap at the bird and squirrel watching window
Monkey is sharing a box with a monkey
Sunshine on her tummy made her happy
This is the Zen Cat area in the woods . Metal and wood cat sculpture..
little toy cats on rocks..changes displays weekly
Monkey always hoped to visit one day Now she can.
Todays PD subject will be Falling....
up, down, sideways, backwards, and forwards.
I have fallen numerous times during my PD career, each fall slightly different from the previous one SO even though I try NOT to repeat the latest mishaps, I fall.
I have fallen inside the house, (stairs and steps).
I fell in my classroom (tripped over a kid who was sitting on the floor).
Lots of tumbles in the backyard wooded areas as well as the grass lawns.
I have 5 walkers, 4 canes, a wheelchair , 4 walking sticks, a knee walker, sturdy hiking boots, and 3 grabbers. Hand rails on stairways in the house. Enough gear to climb The Rockies or maybe Sugarloaf Mt.
I have fallen standing still.
So what do I do about falling ? Be aware, think ahead OR don't go anywhere ever. Sit on the couch all day (I fell off the couch one day reaching for the remote). Any ideas ? Let me know.
Good Morning All !!
I decided to take a break from BLOG writing for a little while. I got a notification from my blog service (don't know who or what that is) I think Google....will be making changes....don't know what they are....
Maybe I should take some time to actually learn how to use the computer and phone as well. I went to Apple last week because I thought I was having a battery problem. I didn't . As the very kind and patient young Apple guy was showing me 'stuff' I could only think "who knew....really ? ....I had no idea....",
In general life is fine. That means as a person with PD. Good days, challenging days, meds that work, meds that don't work. I can drive, which is a huge factor in maintaining independence . Unwavering support from family and friends. Using equipment more such as walkers and canes and grabbers . I move sticks and stones and bricks. I am ok.
If you want you can always write to me for questions and comments at dianegtunis@gmail.com. I give advice and opinions freely. (only when asked !!)
Diane
******* BREAKING NEWS **********
I have a Urinary Tract Infection !!!!!!!!!!! And that is why I have had SO MUCH trouble the last few weeks with the new med I had been taking to alleviate PD problems and symptoms such as dyskinesia and gait and balance issues.After numerous attempts of adjustment my internist (and neurology team) ordered blood work and a urine analysis.
It took a week to get the results. The urine test showed that I have a
UTI which considering I experienced NO SYMPTONS certainly came as a surprise. I have since learned that a UTI can disrupt all PD meds and behaviors. I am on an antibiotic, off the new med (for now) and slowly getting back( PD wise) to where I was in December.
**** VERY IMPORTANT lessons learned. The most important one is that if your neurologist is part of a university practice FORGET reaching them on a weekend or holiday...there will be only 1 neurologist on call for ALL patients who are seen at Georgetown clinics plus anyone coming into the hospital for emergencies. I NOW know better and more effective ways to communicate with my team M-F and that my internist is the go to guy on weekends.
**** PD is complicated and variant and tricky and confusing and stupid and annoying. I never know what to expect. Even though I have been around PD my whole life it seems like everyday brings surprises and challenges.
I am sorry to report that I cannot thank the new med that I have been trying out for the last few weeks.The pills, which were supposed to improve all kind of PD symptoms, did not improve them at all and in fact, unfortunately, made them worse.
In addition to that I had a terrible time reaching my doctor because he is part of Georgetown University and therefore is not available on weekends. It was last Saturday and I waited more that 7 hours for the hospital on call neurologist to return my call.....I was able to reach my primary care physician meantime and he reduced the dosage and when I finally was able to talk to my neurologist Monday we discontinued the drug. The lesson learned this week is that if your neurologist is part of a Movement Disorders practice at a university then best of luck reaching them other than 9 to 5 M-F
I have begun to collect names of other neurologists in private practice should I decide to make a change.
Good news !!! Maybe a little snow this weekend!
Good news !!! Since I don't drink wine anymore and have cut way down on sugar I am at ALMOST my goal weight which is the weight that is on my drivers license !
Good news !!! Since I moved the bird feeders indoors at night no more deer. I also have the feeders higher from the ground and away from trees so the squirrels are having a harder time.
Good news !!! I can still drive, walk, talk, and complain. No recent falls.
And still feeling Whatever !!!!
Monkey is sharing a box with a monkey
