Category: Life and Times

Posts related to Denise’s life and times – waking and dreaming.

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On April 4, 2015 we called to lower our bill and spoke with Erick (ID: I765219285) who told us of a special discount being offered to us as we used very little of the data that we pay for. We have two iPhones and four tablets on our account. We were told that switching to the Family Share of 20GB/month plan would give us a $100.00 discount from April through December of 2015. He gave us his ID number in case the discount was not applied. This would lower our bill to around $220.00.

I called on April 16, 2015 after receiving the bill with no discount ($329.00) and spoke with Marvin (ID: I771087877). After being told that no such discount existed, I requested a supervisor. After being placed on hold three times over forty-five minutes; each time being told that the supervisor was on the phone with another customer, I was told that the April 5 call would be pulled and reviewed. I was told that I would hear something within five to seven business days with no results. It was disappointing that a supervisor would not provide any direct customer service. I looked for other ways to contact other Sprint personnel with no success.

We called again after two additional months of struggle and spoke with Mia. Supposedly, our plan was being changed to $100.00 for the two phone lines with unlimited talk, text, and data. The four tablets were supposed to be changed to $5.00 per month with only 25MB. We are still paying on our phones; but this adjustment would save us at least $50.00 per month. Mia also told us that she was setting up the changes to start on August 6, 2015 (billing cycle begin date). She stated that it would prevent any prorating of fees resulting in a higher bill

Imagine my surprise to get our bill notification with new charges of $396.86. This plan includes the $100.00 monthly fee for the two phone lines The two iPads show at the correct $5.00 single plans with 25MB. The other two tablets, however, still show a 20GB sharing plan at $100.00 plus $10.00 each for access.

Because we have been paying this hefty bill in a couple of payments, a Sprint human customer representative cannot be reached. My only choice is to pay the past due or total balance. Even though I set up a payment online on July 31st for August 13th, we still received a text message of disconnection. When receiving the disconnect message in July, I called *3 and set up a payment date only to still have our service disconnected.

Two tablet contracts expire in September, at which time they will be dropped. The other two tablets and phones expire in May of 2016. This is the only thing keeping us from going to another carrier. It is sad to realize that good long –term customers seem to hold little or no value.

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The pharmaceutical market is a racquet! Most of my medications are generic; and thank God they cost me nothing. There are a couple of meds that have no generic counterpart; but they are needed to prevent rejection of my second cornea transplant and help control my blood glucose levels. In this post I will focus on the anti-rejection eye drop, Lotemax. The alternative medication to this one is Predforte with its generic counterpart, Prednisolone. Prednisone prevents corneal rejection via steroid treatment that keeps any type of inflammation to a minimum. The main drawback to this low or no cost drug is the resulting increase in eye pressure in patients with glaucoma due to its steroid component. I am one of those glaucoma patients with the degree of severity requiring the use of all four classifications of drugs used in its treatment. Lotemax performs the same function as Prednisolone minus the steroid induced pressure increase.

The cost of this non-generic medication is astronomical. I was fortunate to receive samples from the doctor along with a bottle or two left behind when Wil’s dad died earlier in the year. When I asked for samples during my last appointment, I was informed by Dr. Marks that he did not dispense medication; but only prescribed it. I am on my last tiny sample bottle and feel squished between a rock and a hard place. My prescription is sitting at Walgreens awaiting the result of the tug of war between Dr. Marks stating that I need the higher drug and the insurance company insisting that I use the prednisone drop instead. If the insurance company does pay for the Lotemax, it will cost me at least $260.00; and count $1200.00 toward my Medicare Advantage doughnut hole. Dad had Tricare for Life; and only paid $9.00 per bottle of the same drug. Medicare Prescription Plans do not cover many eye drops. This is one type of medication that is commonly needed and used in advanced age.

I found some prices for the non-insured online. The Canadian Drug Store sells a single 5ml bottle for $28.99 or six 5ml bottles for $91.49. I have my reservations about ordering my medications from another country. Locally, I found it as low as $143.00 at Walmart and as high as $189.00 at Rite-Aid for one 5ml bottle. There seems to be no regularity, guidelines, or limits when it comes to drug pricing.

I am in a Catch 22 situation. If I use the generic prednisone, I risk irreparable damage to my optic nerve from an increase in glaucoma pressure resulting in eventual total blindness. If I cannot shit the gold needed to purchase the Lotemax, I risk losing my cornea. My situation is not uncommon. There are many others out there who suffer similar Catch 22 situations with their own illnesses and medication needs. There are no easy answers; but I will keep searching and hope for the best.

Until next time…

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I am pictured wearing a beautiful blue shirt with decorative beading on the front.
Taken November 18, 2013 at Toastmasters International meet and greet with the International President, CEO, and Board of Directors.

I never thought I’d see the day that I actually felt like I looked good in any outfit. My body image and I have been enemies since early childhood. Growing up in an abusive household began the years of self-loathing, overeating, and a general negativity for life. Years of deep discernment, good therapy, and the support of my wonderful husband, family, and loving friends has changed my outlook to one of great expectations for good things to come. The past couple of years have seen improvement in my overall health with the loss of forty pounds and more than forty-five inches body wide (no pun intended). The change in body mass has brought out the beginnings of shape that I have hidden for many years. I have caught myself enjoying trying on clothes (even dresses – very scary). Most of my adult life, I was quite satisfied to wear baggy, ragged, non-descript clothing that hid all signs of any femaleness. As a matter of fact, it would have been okay with me to have had no gender at all. Now, I am feeling more at ease in my body, mind, and soul. It is taking time and patience for me and my body image to become acquaintances. That is the good start to a real friendship. At age 53, it is not too late for me to feel too sexy for my shirt.

Until next time…

 

 

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How I recharge depends on the type of energy drain.

The first type of energy drain is physical expenditure.  This varies from day to day and can range from knocking around the house to an intense workout at the gym.  My favorite and most fun energy drainers are the Adaptive Motion Trainer at the YMCA, INSANITY, and P90X.  Recharging is as simple as a huge bottle of water or PowerAde, some awesome post-workout food, and a good multivitamin.

The second energy drainer comes in the form of ordinary day to day life stressors.   These can range from household responsibilities and chores to human interactions with cohabiters.  Playing Angry Birds, screwing off on the computer, and a good old nap can re-energize one in a very short time.

The last energy drainer for me is negative people that hover like a mega dark storm cloud that pours its self perpetuating ugliness all over life. I imagine every family has one.  No matter how hard they start out trying to be positive, it always turns to poor me, pitiful situation, and financial desperation, just to name a few.  As much as I love them, it takes major psychological energy to muster up the courage to engage in any interaction.  This is the most difficult drainage to recover from.  For me, a couple of beers, more Angry Birds, and a snack (chocolate related) are a good start.

At the end of the day, crawling into those flannel sheets for a good night’s sleep is the best solution for a full recharge.

Until next time…

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The daily task that takes up most of my energy is getting out of bed in the morning.  A good friend gave us a set of flannel sheets for Christmas.  I am a flannel sheets virgin; and have basked in their morning warmth since Christmas Eve.  I have never been a morning person; and these sheets reinforce my natural urges to lay around in pre-noon laziness.

In all seriousness, I try not to think of daily tasks as energy drainers.  As a type 2 diabetic, it is imperative that I expel enough energy each day to keep a balanced blood sugar level.  Along with medication and proper nutrition, activity equals energy.  The more active I become; the more energy I generate; and that makes for a good cycle of rejuvenation.

As a Weight Watcher member, I enjoy their newest creation that encourages increased daily activity, the Active Link.  This little device, worn on the body like a pedometer, tracks all daily movement.  It plugs into the PC at night, via USB, to display the day’s movement.  This tiny unit has changed my perspective and attitude about daily activity.  I now think of all movement as motivation and challenge for attaining one hundred percent of my daily goal.  I expend all daily energy with positive expectations of gaining even more energy.

As far as daily tasks are concerned; I am still trying to find some semblance of routine to accomplish then all over the course of a week or month without feelings of being overwhelmed.  I have never been one who lived to perform all of the household daily tasks.  Since I am not rich enough to pay someone else to do them, I will keep my focus on the resulting energy that I gain as well as the health benefits it provides.

Tonight, I will return to the bliss of those flannel sheets and recharge to meet another new day.

Until next time…

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Upon waking, the primary energy source focus is a HUGE cup of highly caffeinated coffee.  Through this morning, it has been accompanied by nicotine in the form of menthol cigarettes.  After these primal needs are satisfied, I look toward more substantial sources to carry me through the day.  I gravitate to positive life giving energies that flow through my being grounding me to the Earth and all of her natural elements.  Wind and water are my favorites because they invigorate, refresh, and just plain feel good to me.

I try to surround myself with others who also focus on positive energy.  Their energy is contagious; and hugs like a warm blanket that ebbs goodness.  I find most of these people to be steeped in deep spirituality.  I feel that I am deeply spiritual; but plan to focus more on this aspect of my life in 2013.  The past two years have been more than challenging, making this area of life a bit of a struggle.  I am a survivor and hang onto those good energy sources.

Another important source of energy in my life is humor.  Laughter is the best medicine, and usually results in more laughter.  There is nothing like a great joke; or feeding off of others who have your same sense of humor.  In the worst of circumstances, there can still be one tiny thing that can lead to laughter.  I thank God that there are others out there who are as warped and twisted as I am!

I try to see life as an adventure, looking for good and expecting great things.  I intend to continue to share my positive energy with others in 2013.  I will retire for the night absorbing my husband’s good energies.  Tomorrow will again begin with MEGA caffeine in my coffee; but no more nicotine.

Until next time…

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Grocery boost from Sister T and Brother John with goodies and BBQ from Rosy.

My visit to the grocery store dusted off memories of college from the early 80s. the days of Ramen Noodles and Vienna Sausage are being revisited out of economic necessity. Desperate times call for desperate measures as my friend, Amanda is known to say. Desperation, however, does not call for the substitution of those slimy hot dogs that resemble a the bright red look of a boiled lobster and splatter when thrown against the wall for those plump mini wieners because of 30 years of inflation. What can I say about Ramen Noodles? The only change in the past 30 years is a price increase to approximately 20 cents a pack. I did bag some good bargains; and we will not go hungry for the rest of the month. Unfortunately Vienna Sausages and Ramen Noodles don’t soak up beer in the belly like a good old sack of Krystal burgers; but my old body says those partying days are over. I will find humor in these hard times and appreciate the things that I do have.
Thank you Sister T and brother John for the grocery boost! And thank you Rosy for the goodies!
Until next time, keep your head above the droppings.

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Titan, my second Leader Dog, turned 12 today.  He is his Mama’s (Whistler) first Leader Dog graduate.  I got him on February 13, 2002, which makes us partners for over 10 and a half years.  He has arthritis now, like his Mama (me); but is still going strong.   He will always be my baby puppy.

Titan stands with half of his body out the dog door while his ass still inside.
Titan tests the heat of the day by sticking the front half of his body out the dog door while leaving his ass inside.
Titan's 6 week puppy picture
Titan sits pretty for his first Future Leader Dog picture at 6 weeks old.

 

 

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WARNING!!  This post contains a graphical medical picture of prolapsed stoma.

For the past few months, Jake, Wil’s stoma, has been growing.  When we saw his GI doctor in February, he told us that it looked good; but he didn’t want to see it grow as it protruded about an inch.  Having no insurance, it it still difficult to obtain routine medical care for Jake.  It has become a worry for both of us; and made Wil feel bad while we were in Augusta for Rosy’s wedding.  We saw Wil’s GI doctor again last Wednesday who diagnosed it as a stoma prolapse; and instructed us to call his surgeon.  While eating at a newly found Carmelita’s Mexican Restaurant, we called his surgeon and will see her early tomorrow morning. 

A stoma prolapse occurs when theabdominal muscles that hold the stoma weaken allowing the intestine to telescope out of the body.  It is reportedly painful; but Wil has had no pain.  He has a very high tolerance and doesn’t complain until it is almost critical.  The solution for stoma prolapse is to have it surgically repaired.  We will find out these details tomorrow and report them later.

Jake (Wil's stoma) has major prolapse

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The black of the sky before the storm hit on May 14th.
The black of the sky before the storm hit on May 14th.Titan 'Thunder Buns' Thompson James doesn't like thunder storms.
Titan doesn’t like thunder storms.  He doesn’t get his fear from me because I love a good thunder storm.  I especially love the vivid lightning that we get down here in the Lightning Capital of the World.  Titan is better about his fear than he was when we moved here two years ago.  He used to shake and quake and want to pace.  We have been working with him to reduce his fear response; and he has improved to the point of standing still and waiting it out.  He does like to hide in the bath tub from time to time.  As long as he isn’t pacing and escalating his fear, I leave him alone.  Our summer weather pattern is now here which means we have a daily chance for strong thunder storms from now through the end of September.  As the storms pass, Titan relaxes and lays on the floor in a calm state.  We do live in Florida, you know.

Titan 'Thunder Buns' Thompson James doesn't like thunder storms.
Titan 'Thunder Buns' Thompson James doesn't like thunder storms.

Thundr Buns chills on the floor as the storm lets up.
Thundr Buns chills on the floor as the storm lets up.

 

The passing of the storm.
The passing of the storm.