We do get out once a week for our grocery shopping adventure. It is surreal to wear masks (thanks Cathy & Tom for sending them) while shopping and feeling like a rat in a maze as we negotiate the one way aisles. (hoping to find what we came for)
We are fortunate that we can walk around the neighborhood as long as we maintain our "social distance". (another phrase that I hope can go away soon)
In my last post I shared photos of the Sandhill Crane family. They are growing quickly and often walk past in our backyard.
Some Black-necked Stilts flew in a few days ago as well.
We don't have a gator in our pond. (yet) We did come across this little guy in a pond on the way to see the progress of the Sports Complex.
I'd say he was on the banks sunning, but there was no sun and a huge windstorm came up as we walked. There is still a lot of loose dirt (sand here in Florida) and we got sandblasted. Cute little guy!
The only other exciting thing has been getting my veins taken care of. Since varicose veins are considered "essential" they have been able to do that. They started with my left leg since it was the worst.
They did the upper leg first and then a couple of weeks later they did the knee on down. Apparently, my upper leg was more difficult than usual so I had a bit more recovery. (a few extra stitches as well) They removed the sutures a week after the procedure.
If interested here are the procedures they used (from the Water's Edge website):
"RADIOFREQUENCY ABLATION (RFA) WITH VENEFIT™
The Venefit procedure uses radiofrequency energy to precisely and effectively treat chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). This procedure results in less pain and bruising than alternative treatments.
ENDOVENOUS LASER TREATMENT (EVLT) WITH DORNIER MEDILAS D FLEXIPULSE 940
Endovenous laser treatment uses laser energy to close and seal faulty veins. The body responds by automatically re-routing blood flow to surrounding healthy veins. This minimally invasive procedure requires no anesthesia and results in less pain and quicker recovery time.
ULTRASOUND-GUIDED FOAM SCLEROTHERAPY (UGS)
This is an additional procedure recommended to patients with venous reflux who also have varicose/spider veins. Once the refluxing vein is closed, the vein branches that drain to the now closed vein have to be closed. This is necessary for two reasons: (1) to decrease the chances of recurrence and future problems; (2) to help eliminate the varicose and spider veins and their symptoms.
MICROPHLEBECTOMY
This is a minimally invasive surgical technique for removing large varicose veins using local anesthetic only. The procedure is painless and, once completed, the patient is able to resume normal activity immediately. The incisions are pin-sized, so no stitches are required and, as such, there is no scarring.
Some physicians feel this is an old technique for treating varicose veins. In our opinion, it is a treatment option that we offer some patients, when appropriate. As one of the most technically difficult procedures we perform at The Vein Center, it is understandable why most physicians do not offer this service. However, when in the hands of a well-trained, highly experienced vein physician, this technique has amazing medical and cosmetic results that cannot be obtained with other treatment methods."
Here are some before and after photos:
they wrap you groin to toes which I remove 24 hours later to shower as usual
there is a bit of discoloration and bruising while it heals
this is right after they removed the sutures on the lower leg and it will continue to look better as the discoloration goes away
They start the right leg in a couple of weeks. For 3 to 5 days after the procedure and the wrapping comes off, I had to wear a thigh high compression sock which did make it feel better. My hope is that my leg cramps and "Disney rash" & swelling will go away. It should....
We are very disappointed that our Trans-Siberian train trip was canceled in June. Also, Scott & Sonya have canceled their plans to come in June, but we hope they can visit later in the year. We remain hopeful that the world cruise goes as planned in January.
Very thankful for my email friends as we seem to be emailing way more than usual despite having very little to actually talk about. We also feel like it was lucky that we are now settled in our house while having to "stay home". This would have been a bit less comfortable in a hotel.
Until next time......
