Bumping flatlined off the end
Why are we bumping flatlined all the time? 
Regarding social security disability - that is only for permanent disability. Is TOS not going to be able to ever work again? From what I’ve been able to read, nobody seems to know much about West Nile when its more than just a short illness, so if TOS isn’t going to be able to go back to work ever and you decide to go for SSDI make sure you have way more documentation than you think you’ll need as to why he can’t work. You might want to start by getting an attorney who specializes in it right off, it might save six months, because my take on this part of the government is one hand doesn’t know what the other is doing, so they’ll either wave him right thru or fight it because there is no data for them to look at regarding permanent disability from WNV.
If you decide to go for it, get state disability right away if your state has it. When the SSDI comes thru, you might have to reimburse the state but it’ll keep you afloat until the feebs come thru.
Also, if TOS is approved for SSDI, he will get less than he would get from Social Security at retirement and his monthly won’t go up when he reaches retirement age. There will be occasional COLA raises and that’s it. If I remember correctly, you all are in your 30’s? If so that will be a big difference, plus if you work you’ll pay income tax on it. OTOH, there are many who say that Social Security won’t be here by the time you are 65… 
But enough of that - tell us of your turkey day dinner!
Because when TOS was critically ill we didn’t want the last post to be by flatlined.
StG
Ah! Makes perfect sense to me, since I am superstitious too! 
Has Mr. Shoe been transfered to the rehab place yet? I seem to recall that this was supposed to happen earlier this week.
Checks in, looks for good rehab news, sees nothing since last check.
I’m taking that as a good sign. You are too busy getting him settled in rehab and enjoying T-day food. You go TOH! You get a good night’s sleep Purple.
Checks out.
Checks in as well, agrees with carnut that no news now is probably very good news. Keeps sending prayers, just in case…
And bumping flatlined.
StG
Seriously though… drop us an update.
How’s Mr. Shoe coming along? 
Not strong enough to be moved last week, although a rep from the rehab place did come by to talk with him, evaluate his strength etc. Now they’re talking about moving him this week, and you know what? After all his bravado about wanting to go straight home, skip inpatient rehab etc? Now *he’s/I] saying he doesn’t think he’s strong enough. Reality bites.
However, his main doc was concerned about his lack of appetite and prescribed an appetite stimulant (don’t recall the name, but it’s a thick white liquid) and BOY HOWDY does it work. Three squares a day from the hospital cafeteria plus T-Day leftovers every day (turkey, ham, stuffing, gravy, rolls … ) all snarfed down. He’s gettin’ his protein, that’s for sure.
What a nightmare saga!
I am very, very VERY late to this, but now I’ve caught up and am adding my ‘get well, get strong, heal fast’ vibes for TOS. And to you I send vibes of continued strength and peace, and financial liquidity and vision.
Hang in there, and continue to take a bit of time for you, even if that means nothing more than uninterrupted sleep. You’ve been amazing through all this!
Thanks for the update!! We were all getting antsy without our daily(ish) Shmoopie status briefing!!
Poor guy - having to realize just how weak he is must be a real blow 
I mean, you knew it, the docs knew it, but as he’s been improving I guess he’s had more of an opportunity to try stuff and see how debilitated he is. This will pass, but it must be frustrating and disheartening for now.
Appetite stimulant: might it be Megace(megestrol acetate)? Some googling suggests that as a likely choice. I seem to have heard of it before - maybe when my Dad was ill (cancer) or when I volunteered with a little girl at a hospital, many years ago (very difficult to get her to eat). If that’s it, don’t tell him it’s a synthetic progesterone ;).
Do they have any idea how much weight he lost over the past 3ish months? At least this is the season to gain it all back!
Thanks for the update. We worry, you know. Give Schmoopie our very best regards.
Keep a good thought, folks. Sounds like the transfer is set for tomorrow!
Do they have any idea how much weight he lost over the past 3ish months? At least this is the season to gain it all back!
[/QUOTE]
About 20 lbs. nearly all of it muscle, off a 6 foot frame.
Here’s hoping the transfer goes well.
Yay for the transfer!! Appendages crossed and dance of happy ongoing
Yay for the :: crossing fingers:: transfer!
Definitely crossing fingers!
Shoe, I mentioned in another thread, but I forget if you were over there - I have a co-worker who (apparently) just beat cancer. I visited him in the hospital while he was getting chemo. He had that look…you know the one. The look of someone on chemo. No hair, frail, etc. He went through six cycles, with two weeks off in between. A few days before a new cycle started, he could come out to lunch with us. He was in a wheel chair, because the tumor is pushing on his leg and back.
He’s back at work now. Walking with a walker. But he’s getting better every day. And he is in such a good mood, because life is starting to get back to normal.
I guess I’m just saying…TOS is weak, and has a long way to go. But every step is closer to being normal, and I’d expect his attitude to soar once he gets out of the hospital.
Keep us posted! No more scary four day breaks!
-D/a
Sorry about the silence ! And also, wow, I $%&ed the quote coding up there. Been posting on my phone…
Best wishes for a smooth transfer and a continued good appetite.