Royal Caribbean Cruisers -- How Are Things Where You Are? (was "Routine" ​ 😁 ​day in lockdown... how was yours?)

[Ocean Boy]

2 hours ago, xpcdoojk said:

And one we are trying to recreate here.  😂

I was going to make a similar comment but let it go. Unfortunately, you are exactly right. This is just where we are headed.😌

[Husky1987]

All this medical talk and a few moments of free time at work with nothing to do...I already mentioned my kidney story but here's the long story for me:

 

From 20-35ish, I had a bad back.  Not horrible pain everyday, but discomfort.  Every few years I'd throw it out, it would hurt for a couple weeks, and go back down to the discomfort level.

 

The weekend before 9/11, we went on a family fishing trip.  Came home Monday, cleaning out the boat and everything, bent down to pick up a cooler and felt my back explode.  Oh well, another two weeks.  Not this time.  Tuesday morning was 9/11, and by Wednesday my legs started getting really weak and numb.  My mom, retired RN, tells me she is going to find an Ortho Dr. for me to see.  Yeah, whatever Mom, I'll just rest and it'll get better.  She insists.  So she calls some of he old doctor friends, finds someone recommended, and makes an appt. for me the next morning.  

 

I go in, by this time I can barely walk.  Doc takes a look at me, does some poking and prodding, and says "I'm sending you over for an MRI.  If it confirms what I suspect is wrong, you'll be in surgery this afternoon."  Bam.  So, MRI complete, I come back to his office and he is waiting for me.

 

He explains what happened.  My L4-L5 disc ruptured into my spinal cord.  Cauda Equina Syndrome, he calls it.  If it's caught within the first 48 hours, there is a good chance of spontaneous reversal.  Unfortunately, I'm outside that window.

 

"The spine physicians from next door are prepping for surgery.  Of course, you're free to go out and find a second opinion, but please, I'm telling you that if you don't have surgery right now, you're risking permanent nerve damage, up to paralysis."  Wow.  So I'm in surgery just a little bit later.

 

Nine months of rehab.  Before this, I was running 7 miles a day, 6 days a week.  For months, I walked with a walker, then a cane.  Finally up and around enough 9 months later that I started a job at the same place I work today.

 

Fast forward to today.  I am so lucky.  Really the only remaining vestige of all this is foot drop in my left foot.  I don't have any muscle activity below my left knee.  So I usually have an ankle brace keeping my foot at 90 degrees.  Still trip over my toes every so often if I'm tired and I'm not wearing a brace. Can't run, can't jump.  But, apologies to Lou Gehrig, I'm the luckiest dude on the face of the earth.  I've talked with people who had the same thing happen and got sent home by a doctor who gave them ibuprofen and "if it doesn't get better in a month, come back."  All my cards lined up...from my mom to a doctor who was supposed to be out of town, but because planes were grounded in the days after 9/11 decided to go into the office and had an open appointment, and knew exactly what he was looking at.  

 

Today...great job, traveled more than I ever thought I would, and I definitely outkicked my coverage in the wife department.  All since that day.  I've been asked if I knew on that Monday what I know now, would I still bend down to pick up that cooler.  Not even a hesitation...damn right I would.

 

 

 

 

[Sunshine3601]

4 hours ago, BonTexasNY said:

Happy Birthday to Eric and congrats on his casino win!  What a chore picking out a free cruise!

Continue to enjoy everything with calm seas and sunny skies.

I'm fine, thanks for asking.  I was worried about the elevated results of my kidney lab work last week.  I'm in remission for kidney disease that I battled in 2015.  Results scared me but my doctor assured me it's under control and my kidney function is nowhere near what it was years ago.  I am relieved.

Jack and I were fortunate that the only doctor not in network for our new insurance is our Podiatrist.  That is one doctor that we can switch without any problem.  

 

I hope your good luck continues!

So happy to hear you had favorable results with your labs and Dr. Visit.   

Eric said Thank you.

We look forward to meeting you, Jack and everyone else on Bella2.

We are enjoying a beautiful sea day as we head back up the east coast to Bayonne for disembarkment Sunday morning.   

I reserved Uber to pick us up to go to Avis car rental about 10 mins away.  @Jimbo I will let you know how it goes with reserving ahead.

My view for several hours today while I finished reading my Stuart Woods book.

 

[grapau27]

9 minutes ago, Sunshine3601 said:

So happy to hear you had favorable results with your labs and Dr. Visit.   

Eric said Thank you.

We look forward to meeting you, Jack and everyone else on Bella2.

We are enjoying a beautiful sea day as we head back up the east coast to Bayonne for disembarkment Sunday morning.   

I reserved Uber to pick us up to go to Avis car rental about 10 mins away.  @Jimbo I will let you know how it goes with reserving ahead.

My view for several hours today while I finished reading my Stuart Woods book.

 

Happy birthday to your Eric Debbie.

Edited March 31, 2023 by grapau27

[grapau27]

Dinner tonight.

Cod loin.

[Luckynana]

@Sunshine3601Please wish Eric a very Happy Birthday tomorrow, Deb.  I'm sure the 4 of you will enjoy Eric's Birthday dinner!!

[Ozark_Kid]

39 minutes ago, Sunshine3601 said:

So happy to hear you had favorable results with your labs and Dr. Visit.   

Eric said Thank you.

We look forward to meeting you, Jack and everyone else on Bella2.

We are enjoying a beautiful sea day as we head back up the east coast to Bayonne for disembarkment Sunday morning.   

I reserved Uber to pick us up to go to Avis car rental about 10 mins away.  @Jimbo I will let you know how it goes with reserving ahead.

My view for several hours today while I finished reading my Stuart Woods book.

 

When I first saw this I thought it was one pic and was thinking the partial toes in the upper pic was someone else under a ledge in front of you. 

I really liked your Coco Cay pic.  I love the sunlight reflecting off the water. 

[Ozark_Kid]

45 minutes ago, Sunshine3601 said:

So happy to hear you had favorable results with your labs and Dr. Visit.   

Eric said Thank you.

We look forward to meeting you, Jack and everyone else on Bella2.

We are enjoying a beautiful sea day as we head back up the east coast to Bayonne for disembarkment Sunday morning.   

I reserved Uber to pick us up to go to Avis car rental about 10 mins away.  @Jimbo I will let you know how it goes with reserving ahead.

My view for several hours today while I finished reading my Stuart Woods book.

 

When I first saw this I thought it was one pic and was thinking the partial toes in the upper pic was someone else under a ledge in front of you. 

I really liked your Coco Cay pic.  I love the sunlight reflecting off the water. 

 

Happy Birthday to Eric. 

[Ozark_Kid]

48 minutes ago, Sunshine3601 said:

. 

Edited March 31, 2023 by Ozark_Kid
Duplicate

[jagsfan]

On 3/14/2023 at 9:16 PM, Ozark_Kid said:

I have hesitated sharing. I wanted final results first but my experience keeps getting longer.
You may remember me mentioning that my balance has been getting bad and my legs have gotten weak.  After our Disney trip I finally agreed to go to the Doctors.  Short version,  Friday I had a Nerve Conduction Study and EMG. He was very thorough,  1hr and 20 minutes.  I am not a doctor so my wording may not be perfect. The results of the EMG showed Motor Neuron damage. Yesterday I had a Neurologist appointment.  Again very thorough,  3 1/2 hours with no breaks or waiting.   Many things tested.  She wants me to have some MRIs to see if she can find a different reason. I wanted to wait until the MRI results but that, as of now, will be mid April. 
Based on the EMG and my symptoms the Neurologist says ALS is probable.   With the MRIs being put off she has asked me to come in to discuss different treatments.
I, like most here, know the care we have for one another so I felt I should share.

I’m way behind reading this, but it hit me really hard. ALS is a most frightening diagnosis, and I’m praying the results come back negative. 
if it’s a positive result, I know you will live your best life through it. 
The current issue of People, with Brooke Shields on the front, has a long article about a gentleman who has survived long past the time he was given. 
Still getting so much out of life. Still productive. Still living and being loved. 
I wish I could give you a hug. I can only say I’ll hope and pray for you. 
Mimi

[lenquixote66]

18 hours ago, Sunshine3601 said:

I'm sorry I haven't posted any good pics.  Cruising with the kids is a lot different than just Eric and I.    We have been busy and enjoying everything.

Food in MDR and Chops last night was Excellent.   We have all been very happy with all our meals.  

Tomorrow we go to Jamie's for lunch for  Eric's BD.   

He hit for over $2k in the casino plus a nice list of free cruises was given to both of us.

The list of freebies is 12 pages long with some summer Alaska, Hawaii, Europe/Med sailings as well as some TA crossings for the fall.   Tough to choice since I no longer can work remotely.  We have 30 days to decide.

Very happy birthday wishes to Eric.

[Ozark_Kid]

My DD who lives in Little Rock AR had a tornado touch down near them but they are OK.  The plus side the parents were at their kids schools,  two different schools,  because it hit about the time schools were about to let out so they were able to be with the kids.  The news is showing a semi truck thrown across the highway,  buildings with roofs ripped off and shredded tree limbs thrown all over neighborhoods.

As of now it is storming with no tornado but it looks like it can still pick up again.   

As of now the strongest part of it is tracking just south of us. 

[lenquixote66]

11 hours ago, grapau27 said:

Always a great idea.

8°C and raining here.

I hope everyone is well and you all have a great day.

Today is a sorrowful day here.My brother in law passed away on this date in 1998.He was 65 years.It does not seem like it has been 25 years.

[lenquixote66]

1 hour ago, Husky1987 said:

All this medical talk and a few moments of free time at work with nothing to do...I already mentioned my kidney story but here's the long story for me:

 

From 20-35ish, I had a bad back.  Not horrible pain everyday, but discomfort.  Every few years I'd throw it out, it would hurt for a couple weeks, and go back down to the discomfort level.

 

The weekend before 9/11, we went on a family fishing trip.  Came home Monday, cleaning out the boat and everything, bent down to pick up a cooler and felt my back explode.  Oh well, another two weeks.  Not this time.  Tuesday morning was 9/11, and by Wednesday my legs started getting really weak and numb.  My mom, retired RN, tells me she is going to find an Ortho Dr. for me to see.  Yeah, whatever Mom, I'll just rest and it'll get better.  She insists.  So she calls some of he old doctor friends, finds someone recommended, and makes an appt. for me the next morning.  

 

I go in, by this time I can barely walk.  Doc takes a look at me, does some poking and prodding, and says "I'm sending you over for an MRI.  If it confirms what I suspect is wrong, you'll be in surgery this afternoon."  Bam.  So, MRI complete, I come back to his office and he is waiting for me.

 

He explains what happened.  My L4-L5 disc ruptured into my spinal cord.  Cauda Equina Syndrome, he calls it.  If it's caught within the first 48 hours, there is a good chance of spontaneous reversal.  Unfortunately, I'm outside that window.

 

"The spine physicians from next door are prepping for surgery.  Of course, you're free to go out and find a second opinion, but please, I'm telling you that if you don't have surgery right now, you're risking permanent nerve damage, up to paralysis."  Wow.  So I'm in surgery just a little bit later.

 

Nine months of rehab.  Before this, I was running 7 miles a day, 6 days a week.  For months, I walked with a walker, then a cane.  Finally up and around enough 9 months later that I started a job at the same place I work today.

 

Fast forward to today.  I am so lucky.  Really the only remaining vestige of all this is foot drop in my left foot.  I don't have any muscle activity below my left knee.  So I usually have an ankle brace keeping my foot at 90 degrees.  Still trip over my toes every so often if I'm tired and I'm not wearing a brace. Can't run, can't jump.  But, apologies to Lou Gehrig, I'm the luckiest dude on the face of the earth.  I've talked with people who had the same thing happen and got sent home by a doctor who gave them ibuprofen and "if it doesn't get better in a month, come back."  All my cards lined up...from my mom to a doctor who was supposed to be out of town, but because planes were grounded in the days after 9/11 decided to go into the office and had an open appointment, and knew exactly what he was looking at.  

 

Today...great job, traveled more than I ever thought I would, and I definitely outkicked my coverage in the wife department.  All since that day.  I've been asked if I knew on that Monday what I know now, would I still bend down to pick up that cooler.  Not even a hesitation...damn right I would.

 

 

 

 

I have basically the same thing along with my Parkinson’s . I am in bed 21 hours a day and only leave the house for doctors visits and haircuts.

I was always in great health.I played college basketball and other sports when I was younger.

I have had Spine Surgery,9 Epidurals,Acupuncture ,Physical Theraph and April 11 I am going to a Neurologist for what will be an 18th.opinion.There are days when I am in so much pain that I want to leave the planet.

[Sea Dog]

1 hour ago, Sunshine3601 said:

 

We look forward to meeting you, Jack and everyone else on Bella2.

We are enjoying a beautiful sea day as we head back up the east coast 

 

1 hour ago, Sunshine3601 said:

My view for several hours today while I finished reading my Stuart Woods book.

 

 

Looks like a great day. Happy Birthday wished to Eric and we look forward to seeing you on Bella 2.

[grapau27]

18 minutes ago, lenquixote66 said:

Today is a sorrowful day here.My brother in law passed away on this date in 1998.He was 65 years.It does not seem like it has been 25 years.

I'm sorry Lenny.

Our prayers 🙏 for your brother in law's 25th memory.

[lenquixote66]

3 minutes ago, grapau27 said:

I'm sorry Lenny.

Our prayers 🙏 for your brother in law's 25th memory.

Thanks,Graham.My family spent most of the day discussing fond memories of all the good times we spent together with him.

[aussielozzie18]

29 minutes ago, Ozark_Kid said:

My DD who lives in Little Rock AR had a tornado touch down near them but they are OK.  The plus side the parents were at their kids schools,  two different schools,  because it hit about the time schools were about to let out so they were able to be with the kids.  The news is showing a semi truck thrown across the highway,  buildings with roofs ripped off and shredded tree limbs thrown all over neighborhoods.

As of now it is storming with no tornado but it looks like it can still pick up again.   

As of now the strongest part of it is tracking just south of us. 

Hope it moves away from you.  Stay safe.  Glad your DD and the children are ok.

[A&L_Ont]

Just now, aussielozzie18 said:

Hope it moves away from you.  Stay safe.  Glad your DD and the children are ok.

Same from our house. I can’t take a blizzard but not a tornado or hurricane. 

[aussielozzie18]

45 minutes ago, jagsfan said:

I’m way behind reading this, but it hit me really hard. ALS is a most frightening diagnosis, and I’m praying the results come back negative. 
if it’s a positive result, I know you will live your best life through it. 
 

@Ozark_Kid I am sorry I did not see your detailed post about your medical situation.  I sincerely hope the results come back negative.

[grapau27]

14 minutes ago, aussielozzie18 said:

@Ozark_Kid I am sorry I did not see your detailed post about your medical situation.  I sincerely hope the results come back negative.

+1 @Ozark_Kid

[aussielozzie18]

Got a new passport last week.  The photo of me is dire.  I look like I just came out of prison...,

 

Then last night, I was informed that my drivers licence was compromised as a result of a mass data breach of my travel credit card company.  Going glam myself for that photo when I go get a new licence that’s for sure.
 

On the plus side, the blank pages of the new Australian passport are beautiful.  Each page has a photo of one of our countries beautiful locations- Great Barrier Reef, Uluru, Sydney Harbour, Kakadu, Wineglass Bay Tasmania, The twelve apostles (Great Ocean Road Victoria), Bungle Bungles, The Three Sisters Katoomba, Dove Lake at Cradle Mountain, Tasmania and more…very nicely done.

 

 

Edited March 31, 2023 by aussielozzie18

[A&L_Ont]

Last night was the final playoff game of the season for Owen and his team. They have a rough spell in January and February but ended the season with 9 wins and a tie. 
 

The game last night was the second game of a best of 3 series.  Owen’s team won the first game 5-1 on Saturday, with Owen getting a goal. Last night they were down 2-1 but ended up tying it in the third. They got the go ahead goal with less than 4 minutes left. Both games were physical, with one of their players getting a 5 minute penalty and a 3 game suspension on Saturday in game one. In last night’s game 1 player from each of the teams got a 5 minute penalty and a 3 suspension for fighting. With about 30 seconds left another of their players was thrown out of the game for what I’ll call bad decisions.  We know their coach from soccer, as he was one of Owen’s coaches, and he said this particular kid is a hot head.  
 

With about 15 seconds left the puck was deep in our end for a face off. Their goalie was pulled so it was 6 on 5. Our team won the face off and Owen was gone with the puck. Our team scored with less than a second on the clock and Owen fed the puck to one of his good friends, who got a hat trick last night. 3 goals in a game, his best game of the season.
 

Owen is 21 and always the last of the ice. 
 

 

Owen with his friend, with the player of the game hat on.😃

 

Edited March 31, 2023 by A&L_Ont

[dani negreanu]

On 3/30/2023 at 1:18 PM, aussielozzie18 said:

@dani negreanu Dani, I am so sorry you, your family, your neighbors and many friends have been living for many weeks  with a sense of dread since the change of government and that so many of you were forced to protest in the streets to make your feelings known.  Devastating that your sons and grandsons will be forced to move away from you to another country to live the life that is no longer possible in Israel.  My heart breaks for you and I thank you for continuing to post here and for keeping us informed.  

 

Thank you for your kind words. The situation here is so bad, and, as you so rightly said, it breaks my heart when I see how many young people are willing to leave. You narrowly "avoided" a big group, my son's family and my DIL's brother and sister, all highly skilled people, giving up on your wonderful country, since the company which "advises" immigration to Australia, wants 4K (US $) pp for their services....

 

They're now checking Holland, which might be easier for us to live or just to travel back and forth.

 

On 3/30/2023 at 1:18 PM, aussielozzie18 said:

How is your DH’s physical pain this week?

 

The same....

 

On 3/30/2023 at 4:34 PM, BonTexasNY said:

@brillohead Debi, congrats on your new job!

Maryann, congrats on Erin's graduation.  I hope she gets the job she wants and deserves.

 

+ 1 Debbi and Maryann @Luckynana

 

 

On 3/30/2023 at 6:07 PM, Sea Dog said:

@brillohead Congratulations on the new job. Thank you for doing what you do.

 

@Ozark_Kid Thinking of you!

 

+ 1

 

17 hours ago, brillohead said:

I found my birthfather (I meet him Monday night!) 

 

You'll meet him or you've met him? If the latter, and you don't mind telling "us", how was it?

 

13 hours ago, aussielozzie18 said:

@BonTexasNY What a relief for you with your kidney results.

 

 

+ 1 , Bonnie @BonTexasNY

 

8 hours ago, TravelGirlinDallas said:

This is awful. I can't believe there is no doctor who is allowed to help you for the next two weeks! I am so sorry you and DH are going through this.

 

Thanks, Bethany. YES, the system s...cks.  It's not that other docs are not allowed, it's that we cannot make an appointment to another dr, other than the one we "belong" to.

 

In theory, we can call the CENTER, explain the situation, and they can check and offer us an appointment if another dr in our city has an opening. It is a long process of waiting on line, of the customer service pouring schedule after schedule, and Wednesday, when he couldn't bear the pain, the only opening we found was at 5PM. It was 4.52. I drove like crazy, let DH out the nearest I could, and the secretary refused him entry, claiming the opening was a glitch...

 

It was a very high recommended dr, and the next opening was on April 9.

 

We can switch drs tomorrow (starting a new quarter), but we don't want to switch without at least having an appointment with one other dr, to see if we "fit"...

 

It doesn't help that Passover eve is April 5, with the schools already on holiday, and many, drs included, taking advantage of more than 2 weeks vacation to travel or taking time off...

 

Edited March 31, 2023 by dani negreanu
grammar...

[Sea Dog]

16 minutes ago, A&L_Ont said:

Last night was the final playoff game of the season for Owen and his team. They have a rough spell in January and February but ended the season with 9 wins and a tie. 
 

The game last night was the second game of a best of 3 series.  Owen’s team won the first game 5-1 on Saturday, with Owen getting a goal. Last night they were down 2-1 but ended up tying it in the third. They got the go ahead goal with less than 4 minutes left. Both games were physical, with one of their players getting a 5 minute penalty and a 3 game suspension on Saturday in game one. In last night’s game 1 player from each of the teams got a 5 minute penalty and a 3 suspension for fighting. With about 30 seconds left another of their players was thrown out of the game for what I’ll call bad decisions.  We know their coach from soccer, as he was one of Owen’s coaches, and he said this particular kid is a hot head.  
 

With about 15 seconds left the puck was deep in our end for a face off. Their goalie was pulled so it was 6 on 5. Our team won the face off and Owen was gone with the puck. Our team scored with less than a second on the clock and Owen fed the puck to one of his good friends, who got a hat trick last night. 3 goals in a game, his best game of the season.
 

Owen is 21 and always the last of the ice. 
 

 

Owen with his friend, with the player of the game hat on.😃

 

Great news. Congratulations to Owen. Well done.