Hello out there, I'm back!!

[Grammy80]

It is so great to sit and touch base with all of you. The last two days I have had 5 appointments trying to sort out the pain in the upper left quadrant of my mouth.

It may sound wierd, but I'm happy I have to have two root canals and then THAT particular discomfort should be gone. I'll spare you all the confusing details..dentist, physician, rheumy, endodontist.....finally antibiotics, YIPPEE! I now know that I have an abcess or infection in a tooth that probably the mega doses of methylprednisolone masked and once I started the taper last week it was able to rear its head. I'm all set though, I'd much rather have the root canals and no pain than have it be a bonus gift of GCA.

My family arrives from Canada on the 27th and by then I will be down to 32 or 24 mg perday (I have to look at my calendar). I want to gaze at my grandchildren, 12 & 14, and share the holiday with them. I can notice improved clarity of my mind and less tremors with even this much of a taper. PLUS, I think I'm getting more accustomed to my lower vision...I'll get better at it as time goes by.....sneak in a bit of a prayer that I keep what vision I have, please.

Tomorrow morning, your afternoon I believe, I'll be finishing my wrapping and then be sitting around...tapping my fingers and waiting for Christmas. After we celebrate I know my family wants to have THE TALK...you know, THE TALK. Are you safe, Mom? Do you think you should be alone, Mom? Life is a risk and I want to stay on my own as long as I possibly can. We'll see how smoothly that plays out. I know they worry but I'm not putting myself in an alternative way of living until I start walking into the walls. I've lived in this apartment for 3 years, I'm used to it and it is used to me.

I don't mean to sound stubborn...but I've always been a fighter of sorts or I'd have been in 'the home' a long time ago.

Have fun getting ready for the holiday....in a way...the best part.

xo M

[SheffieldJane]

Bless you! What a positive post. Brace yourself for the concerned battle 😆😚🥰😍 they mean well.

[Grammy80 in reply to SheffieldJane]

Yes, they do don't they!!! ....but would they want me across the street? ...would I want to be there? I've willed my body to a medical school in Maine and will no doubt wind up staying here. I did so much worrying about 'planning' but then realized "I don't have to decide that today"...I'm going to enjoy my sighted days and then we'll see.

I know that I'm having a good day and sounding tough....like all of us, I'm a mess on a bad day.

xo

[SheffieldJane in reply to Grammy80]

These decisions have to be timed well. You’ve got enough on your plate right now.

[Marilyn1959]

Pleased that all appears to be improving for you. Your positive outlook is both refreshing and inspiring.

I lost my independence completely for a while following my accident last Christmas. It was only then that I realised how important independence is and am so glad I didn't put pressure on my Mum to have Carers, move into sheltered accomodation before she was ready to do so herself. It may be difficult for your family to understand your reluctance if they have not experienced loss of independence themselves, but hopefully you will find a way of helping them understand.

[Grammy80 in reply to Marilyn1959]

Thanks for those words...strengthening and encouraging.

[Hidden]

All the very best to you, you deserve it.

[Grammy80 in reply to Hidden]

What a kind thing to say....I'm no more deserving than all of us. I say we all give ourselves a pat on the back for sheer courage...getting up and going through each day, with a smile.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

My husband's uncle had glaucoma and eventually saw very little. After his wife died he remained in the family house alone with a cleaner who came in - no other help in terms of living. He knew his way around the house which is important. His wife had waited on him hand and foot - it was that generation - and he had many adjustments to make, not least accepting food made by others! But he also learned to make some simple things, found a good baker for his apple pies and learned to eat things he'd always claimed he didn't like. He had a speaking microwave and a few other gadgets that helped him cope.

There are also alarm options you can wear to call help - you don't have to be in special accommodation, you just need someone as a contact for a call centre for some, a neighbour/family member for others. My MIL had one even though she lived in a granny flat within our house - she was independent for day to day living but had she fallen I couldn't have heard her even though I was at home, the walls were very solid.

Above all though - moving to a strange place isn't always a good option because with limited vision knowing the locality as he did meant he retained his independence much longer.

[Grammy80 in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks so much PMR.....what great advice and encouraging. Finding my way through this...some things just 'feel' right and I don't know why. Your words help me nail down what it is that makes me feel secure. xo

[Smokygirl]

Wow! You are brave, strong and inspirational! Definitely do as you wish for as long as you are able. Huge respect, every good wish and hugs xxx

[Grammy80 in reply to Smokygirl]

Thank you Smokey! All these reinforcements sure are helping. I'm still on that learing curve for sure.