Sunday, August 9, 2009

At a loss

That sweet, sweet Linnea asked me where I had been lately. In a quandry, mostly. Out of my mind, too! I was going to post my outrage at my Lakeland Electric bill, the most recent one. Normally our meter is read every 28 days but this time it was 40 days. Over 63,000 customers have humongous bills, me included! I haven't found a job yet and unemployment isn't that much to help pay this bill. I could pay it but would have 0 left over to get me thru 2 weeks.

Now I'm at a loss. I lost one of my very closest friends Saturday morning. Cause of death will be a heart attack. Her husband thinks her new meds did it. She went to the hospital last Sunday, not feeling too good and difficulty breathing. Diagnosed with congestive heart failure, released on Wednesday afternoon. I called her, she told me they sent her home with 7 prescriptions. She had an appointment on the 12th next week to see the cardiologist. She took the meds on Thursady and started feeling very bad , went to the ER and they said she had indigestion and sent her home. She did not take her meds on Friday. Saturday morning she ate her cereal and took her meds. She started feeling bad, things got worse and 911 was called. They resuscitated her 4 times and flatlined each time. The doctor in the ER worked on her for an hour and could not bring her back. My wonderful, beautiful friend was gone.

She told me me tht she hadn't been feeling so good since January and had been to the doctor. She gained 30 pounds since January and this was obviously due to the CHF. She leaves a husband, 2 daughters, stepson, stepdaughter and several grandchildren. We did so many crazy things together. I went to see my first Chippendale knockoff dancer. I went to a biker bar and played darts. It wasn't that wild of a place, after all it was next door to a gas station. She gave me a baby shower. So many fun times at work and many long talks. She had the best laugh and a great smile. Her husband and her had just planned to take a 3 week trip on the motorcyle and go wherever the wind blew them. They were working really hard on their marriage. Her youngest daughter, Allison, 17, will be a senior when schools start and just made captain of the cheerleading team. She kept her grandaughter since Samantha couldn't take care of her. She became a new Mama again. She was full of life and energy.

She was let go from her Verizon job after 30+ years of service. In the past few years she was a supervisor. They are cutting back drastically, letting craft and management go left and right. She was under a great deal of stress, she smoked and did imbibe. She was diagnosed several years ago with cardiomyopathy, inherited from her father who died from that. Her brother has it and her sister was recently diagnosed with it. Cardiomyopathy and CHF don't make a good combo plus she had high BP which was being treated. Her husband told me he was going to pursue the meds aspect, sounds like a good idea to me.

I am at a loss for everything at the moment. Numb, sick, sad, empty. Vicki was 50 years young.
I will miss my friend, her laugh, her smile, her craziness. My friends mean so much to me and all of you in bloggyland included. Goodbye Vicki!!

10 comments:

Libby's Library said...

Becky - I'm so, so, so sorry. I wish I could be there to give you a hug. I also wish that I could wave a magic wand and make your electric bill go away. I know that there are ways to get you bill reduced - I'm sure that some of your medical issues would help you to qualify...I just don't know how to find them.

I'll do some research and let you know if I can come up with anything.

Sending love and prayers!!!!

Robynn's Ravings said...

Oh Becky, you have my sincere sympathy and my heart just goes out to you and her family. What a terrible loss. So many doctors just hand out copious meds with never a thought as to side-effects or how they react to each other. Add to that the fact that a full 70% of all prescription drugs are now made in India and China (with contamination reports not uncommon) and we are a country poised for disaster. The deaths from pharmaceuticals alone each year is staggering. Save ALL her meds in case they can be checked for contamination.

Lib is right. Contact the electric company. They have reduced rates for people currently unemployed and also with some medical issues. Also, they should be willing to work with you to amortize the bill over a few months if nothing else.

Hugs to you, dear Becky.

Neabear said...

Whoa! You have really been through a lot. It was strange. I had noticed you hadn't posted in a while and was just curious how you were doing. I am glad you told us. We can all keep you in our prayers. I also so sorry to hear about the loss of your very good friend. That is so hard. I will say a prayer for them too. Way too young for her to go as you said. Hang in there. I hope you get some relief on the electric bill. That was not fair that they waited too long to read the meters.

Hugs,

Linnea

Tweedles -- that's me said...

Hi Becky
I am so sorry that you lost your very dear friend Vicky. That is so hard to grasp and adjust to.
I bet Vicky also felt so lucky in having you for a friend.
All this sickness in the world is just not fair. Good caring people who are good friends, and love their family should not die!
I will keep you in my thoughts, like I always do. And I will also say a special prayer for Vickys family.
I hope you find some help with your electric bill.
Here is a pug hug for you sweet Becky
love
tweedles

Marni said...

Oh Becky, I am so sorry! There are no words.

((( Becky )))

C.l.o.v.e.r. said...

Becky,
We are so sorry to hear about your friend. Sending lots of puggy hugs and kisses your way. We will be thinking of you during this difficult time.
xo

The Silver Age Sara said...

Becky, how so very terrible. My heart just goes out to you and I wish I could give you a hug. To lose your wonderful friend in such a way. I'm so very sorry.

One of my other blogging friends was going through hard times and she put a Paypal donation button on her blog so we could help. Would you want to do that as well?

You are in my prayers.

Art with Liz said...

Oh so sad Becky. My heart aches for you, to lose a dear friend so young. Remember that we are an ear for you even those of us so far away. A big hug and lots of love.

Neabear said...

Ok Becky, I am getting worried about you again. I sincerely hope that you are okay. That solutions are being found for the electic bill. That you are comforted in your mourning for your very good friend.

Just wanted you to know I am thinking about you.

Take care,

Linnea

Sandra y Coco Pug said...

Hi Becky I read this a while ago and I wanted to comment right away but then *?* I don't know what happened, now I realize I never got to write! I am so sorry you are having a hard time right now. I wish I was closer to help out in anything you may need. I will keep you in my prayers and thoughts
<3
Sandra