Monday, February 28, 2011

MY MORNING APPOINTMENT WITH DR. BHAT WAS AN EYE OPENING, CONFIRMING, VERIFICATION OF WHY I AM BEST OFF HERE @MGHRCCC...........

My latest appointment with Dr. Ardarsh Bhat, my nephrologist this morning, was was revealing of why I did not belong in the transitional nursing rehab facility I spent nine days in between my discharge from Sutter Roseville Acute Rehabilitation Institute and my admission into Mercy General Rehabilitation Continuing Care Center. If all the previous indignities, mishaps, and outright mistakes, I experienced in the inferior, inbetween facility,including the potentially serious nature of my last Thursday night's incident were not enough; to discover today from Dr. Bhat's immediate discovery in the paperwork they faxed him, that lacking on my medications list,was the absence of one of my most vital drugs, Prograf - one of the essential anti rejection drugs I take twice daily to perserve my kidney transplant and avoid rejection. The Prograf was not being administered to me at all, during those nine days and six hours. So, on two medical fronts due to their failure, I could be in very serious straits as I rehab from my right foot amputation. How the mistake was made and what affect it may have on my transplant, we hopefully will learn soon. Dr. Bhat ordered an additional blood ab this week to monitor my condition. The Mercy Rehab doctor directed the nursing staff to restore my Prograf medication, and please God, everything will be all right with my kidney transplant. I am nearing the completion of today's Vanko antibiotic infusion; I had a very nice Asian Chicken, noodles, broccoli, and fortume cookie lunch; and am standing by to see my physical therapist for this afternoon's second session today. My thanks to Michael Franzwa, for driving to my appointment with Dr. Bhat this morning,to Joe McNamara, for coming to visit me on his lunch hour this afternoon, and to Joe Gibson on the phone, for his friendship and wisdom....Roger Geach and Joe Gibson, each came to see me for hourlong visits this afternoon and evening and Father Oliver phoned from Kilkenny. My Continuing Gratitude To Dr. Bhat And All My Loving Circle Of Friends, fr.tdp

MY THIRD OF THREE DOCTOR APPOINTMENTS IN FIVE DAYS THIS MORNING IS WITH DR. BHAT .....ATTENTION POTENTIAL OVERNIGHT CAREGIVER VOLUNTEERS !!!!!...........

Having had my first after amputation follow-up appointments with Dr. Cookson, last Wednesday, and Dr. Kaliyan, last Friday, this morning I am scheduled to see Dr. Bhat, my Kidney Doctor, at 10:30 a.m., in his office at Sunrise and Douglas, in Roseville. I am awake early, but unless my physical therapy morning session is scheduled by 9 a.m., I will be doing both of them in the afternoon. As February concludes and my Rehabilitation stay comers into ints closing two and a half weeks, I must begin firming up overnighbt caregivers who can give a night or two to me, to stay with me in Our Lady of Lourdes Rectory starting Saturday March 19. My adult male friends, fraternity brothers, and parishioners, present and past, age 18, and above, who are capable if necessary to asssist me out of bed during the night into my wheelchair and help me out out of the rectory, or contact my doctors in an emergency; who can give me my necessary medications at bedtime and in the morning; and provide assure I have my night snack before bed, and are available between 7 p.m. - 7 a.m., please call me, at 916-732-9675, in my room here at Mercy General Rebab, Room 264, as soon as possible. Every night from March 19 -22; and April 1-20; are currently open to be covered. My Irish priestly colleague friend, Father Oliver Maher, will be with me as my visiting caregiver the nights of March 23 - 31. As this will be the next necessary required step in my rehabilitation and convalescensce, I am very confident coverage for the two dozen nights needing to be scheduled with volunteer caregivers will happen. Thank you for the care, concern, support, and solidarity, so many of you are showing in my current circumstances, as I strive to successfully resume my pastoral, priestly, responsibilities and the prostheses I will be receiving on my right foot and leg, hopefully before Easter. Love And Prayers For Your Generosity, Fr. Troy

Sunday, February 27, 2011

A VERY GOOD ARRAY OF SUNDAY VISITORS AND CALLS TODAY...........

For two consecutive Sundays today, I am back on track with visitors, on the Sabbath. Just as lunch arrived, St. Philomene's parishioner, Diane Jones, made a return visit to see me, as she did at Sutter Roseville three weeks ago. Moments later Joe Gibson and his lady, Ruth Rosenberg arrived in, and during their joint lunch time visits, the three of them had a supporting phone caller, in a call I received from Stephen McDaid in Letterkenny, County Donegal, Ireland. At the end of eating my lunch after Joe and Ruth had left and Diane was preparing to depart, Father Patrick Lee appeared to see me, for his second time in three days. He has begun reading my blog, and has already posted two Comments on my Thursday February 24, blog column. Sara and Pete Nava, also came by to visit me and brought me a bowl of sugar free jello. After my afternoon P.T. session, which was standing with assistance from a wallker and an initial lifting assist from the the therapist, I succeeded in three standing efforts to reach the third time I stood this afternoon, a new personal high in these past 5 weeks : 3 minutes and 25 seconds, forty seconds greater than the previous high. And I achieved this with substantial sharp pain in my back core with a tug to the right, and protruding sharply into my left leg, limiting the amount of times I can endure standing. Father John Healy, brought me Holy Communion and prayed with me, about forty five minutes ago..... The Oscars telecast is just six minutes away. Enjoy Your Sunday Evening. I Shall Being In Mercy General Rehab / Continuing Care, And Watching The Oscars, Go, "The King's Speech", And Actor Colin Firth, Fr. Troy

SUNDAY MORNING IN MERCY GENERAL REHAB CONTINUING CARE CENTER ON THIS NEXT TO LAST DAY OF FEBRUARY...........

Having already had a wound care specialist consultant visit, and having my morning shots and vitals taken by the day shift RN Bridget; I have watched CNN's State of the Union, and ABC News This Week, had my breakfast, done my daily ablutions,and dressed, taken my morning meds, saw Father Healy for a moment with word of Sunday Mass at 10 a.m. telecast on Channel 16, from the hospital chapel, and then met with my physical therapist for today, for session one of two p.t. sessions with her before 5 p.m. I did some physical stretching exercises in bed turned on my left side.  These exercises of stretching my amputated right side at the same created significant pain in my lower ower back, hip, and leg.  As it was nearly thirteen hours since my last pain reliever dose, the therapist, on duty nurse, and I worked out a plan, allowing me to take my two tablets of Norco for pain when doing therapies, every four hours beginning a half hour ago, so that I will be able to take it before p.t. sessions, without wiping out being in the comfort.  Today's physical therapist also did what one of the Bruceville therapists did for two days and provided me with an ice bag to lay on for twenty or more, which I currently doing, to alleviate the pronounced, post therapy, pain in my left lower back, core area, and upper leg. a Lab technician was just here to draw the daily Vanko antibiotic trough, as they closely monitor the Vanko level in my body.  Lunch is about 45 minutes away and then hopefully, a visitor or few, before the 83rd Academy Awards Show begins at 5-5:30 p.m., one of my annual television award show rituals since childhood. My one hour Vanko antibiotic treatment for today has begun. I Carnorvore, is anticipating a meaty lunch...........As I Continue To Place In God's Providence And Love My Prayers And Gratitude Are With You My Friends, Fr. Troy

Saturday, February 26, 2011

AFTERNOON PHYSICAL THERAPY AND A VISIT FROM MSGR. KAVANAGH, AND PHONE CALLS FROM FR. STEVE AVELLA, AND ROGER GEACH...........

After a wonderful and productive first night and morning at the Mercy General Rehab C.C.C., Continuing Care Center - Saturday afternoon was equally resourceful and visitor/caler friendly. Father John Healy, the longtime Chaplain of Mercy General Hospita, appeared at my room door, at about 2:30 p.m., in the company of Msgr, ed Kavanagh. Father Healy left Kavanagh and I, to continue his appointed rounds throughout the hospital. After twenty minutes or so, of chatty conversation, the second physical therapist assigned to me, Stephanie, appeared in my doorway wanting for me and her to do the second session of P.T.,. So Msgr, K, left me, leaving me to do the physical therapy session, which was sliding board from bed to wheelchair more transfers on the sliding board from bed to wheelchair, wheelchair to bed. An earlier check in telephone conversation with Fr. Steve Avella, was as always a delightful discussion of all current topics involving us. His call came about an hour after lunch. About an hour after dinner, Roger Geach called to inquire as to my progress as I settle into my desired rehab location for this portion of what lays ahead of me, which it has been since my discharge from Sutter Roseville Rehabilitation Institute, more than two weeks ago. That's the summary of this Saturday...........Peace, Quiet, Calm, Rest, Rehab, Recreation, And The Reality To Heal And Progress Forward, Fr. Troy

MEETING MERCY GENERAL REHAB'S CHIEF DOCTOR, RECREATIONAL THERAPY, AND LUNCH...........

Dr. Lehman, the Chief Doctor of Mercy General Rehab, was in to see me just before Noon, for twenty minutes or so, and has followed up with three pop in visits since to ask and clarify other questions his work with the nursing staff on my medications, etc., he is doing today. He comes across as a thorough, competent, caring physician, who likes patients. The four nursing staff they have cared for me thus far, are also perfectly caring and conversant in a very friendly way. I have yet met anyone who does not exemplify the mission statement and values Mercy stands for. After sitting up since 7:30 a.m., I am going to lay down until my afternoon P.T.session, wheelchair, transfer board, etc. Besides the above and recreational therapy, these hours have also included a telephone call with Sisters Felicity and Theresa, at OLOL. and my cherished colleague, Fr. Steve Avella. Time to lay down for a short while, after five and a half hours being up; before my afternoon second P.T. session..........In The Catholic-Christian Spirit Of Mercy, Fr. Troy

MY FIRST FULL DAY AT MERCY GENERAL REHABILITATION OFF TO AN EXCELLENT START...........

I could not be happier with my placement at Mercy General Rehab, for the next three weeks. The nursing staff, the administrative staff I have met, the first physical therapist I interacted with this morning, and even the hospital telephone receptionist, are positive, upbeat, kind, couteous, and helpful persons. The high quality of their presence and professionalism with and toward me, is very evident. I will be having two P.T. sessions daily while I am here, including weekends. Leanna, my first physical therapist is pleased with the progress I am making and my basic body strength, left side as well as the right. She assisted me in standing up successfully to transfer to the commode and then return to a seated position back on my bed. My first phone call in this Mercy General Rehab Room 264, and on the room phone number 916-732-9675, was Mary Hopkins, from Presentation Parish. Minutes later, Dr. James McMonagle called me on my cell, from his cell, to learn how things turned out after Thursday night's incident. And the Yahoo Mail and Facebook messages I have been rreceiving since last night are all quite positive about my move to Mercy General Rehab. More Later As My Mercy General Rehab Begins To Unfold...........Glory And Praise To Jesus Our Lord And Savior, Fr. Troy

Friday, February 25, 2011

PRAISE THE LORD !!!!!.....I HAVE ARRIVED AT MERCY GENERAL REHAB CENTER TONIGHT...........

I arrived with Victor's generosity assistance with helping me transfer to the room that became available today at Mercy General Hospital Rehabilitation Center at 40th and J streets in East Sacramento. I am very pleased to be here and to be able to complete my therapy and preparation for the prostheses, here in the place I was born, had my two chidhood left eye surgeries, my mother passed away in, my father spent his last disease and ilness in, and all my brothers and sisters were born. I am in Room 264, and the telephone number in the room is 916-732-9675. Thanks For Your Prayers, Thoughts, And Positive Wishes, That I attain This Rehabilitation Placement For The Next 3 Weeks, Fr. Troy

A POTENTIALY SERIOUS NIGHT OF CONTENDING WITH AN I.V. TREATMENT MISHAP.....WITH A DOUBLY FORTUNATE ENDING...........

All went well for me Thursday, throughout the day - with progress in both my O.T., and P.T., sessions; and in my wheelchairing around the facility, as well as recreational therapy using the internet and the television. My two priestly visitors and the phone calls I shared had me pleased and positively energized. My one hour Vanko antibiotic infusion treatment was started interveniously at circa 7:30 p.m. Near the conclusion the nurse brought me one of my medications, which I took immediately with a healthy sip of water in a styrofoam cup she handed me. After taking the meds, I sat the cup on the rolling table next to my bedside. The nurse proceeded with disconnecting the line from my central line port, on my right side above the pectoral. After she did so and flushed the port with saline, she left the room and I returned to viewing the news on CNN. A few moments later I lifted the water cup off the table and sipped the remaining 1 - 2 ounces of fluid remaining in the cup from it, and immediately experienced a stinging and then constantly burning sensation in my throat of a chemical nature, and a strong aftertaste of also of chemicals. Smelling the empty cup, there was a distinct odor of something chemical or medicinal. I reported it to the nursing staff, to be told that there was nothing but water in the cup and denying there was any harm done to me. Frustrated by the indifference and resistance to contacting the house doctor or my doctors, I telephoned my patient advocate, Sharon Bishop, to advise as to what I should do, and then phoned the answering services of Drs. Cookson, McMonagle, and Bhat, and left detailed messages for them at their offices in Roseville. The doctor covering last night for Dr. Cookson, and Dr. McMonagle himself, each returned my calls within the hour. Meanwhile the facility house doctor was off and had another doctor covering for him. It took two requests from me, and one from Sharon Bishop over the phone, to have the doctor on call for the facility to be contacted. He would not come to see me, but only consult with the staff over the phone about my problem. Dr. McMonagle advised me if the house doctor did not appear here, to get to the Emergency Room at the nearby Methodist Hospital, as soon as possible. While i waited for medical care to be made available to me for the incident, Sharon Bishop called Joe Gibson, who agreed to come to the facility to be with me. The facility staff told me I had to be transported by ambulance the very short distance, for which payment is my responsibility. I told them I would not go by ambulance, but by having Joe transport me. Joe arrived and he helped me prepare to go to the ER, when arriving at the Nursing Station on our way to the exit we were told I coud not go to the ER as I was choosing, without being in violation of going, "Against Medical Advice", and would be forced to sign a Discharge, leaving me with no guaranteed bed in any facility, unless Methodist Hospital decided to admit me overnight. A security guard was even called by the staff to supposedly prevent us from leaving under my own volition with Joe. The ER staff worked quickly to get me in a cubicle and start the work-up on me. The nurse who worked with me, was very conversant with Joe and I, and was a great reassurance to me. The ER doctor was efficient, proficient, and examined me without delay, and was patient friendly. He found no burning marks on my throat, and said it was likely a small enough amount of vanko / saline not to do me any harm or permanent damage. After observing me for an additional half hour plus they released me to return to Brucevile Terrace. I expreseed concern for my safety in this facility, and asked the doctor and or nurse, to call and guarantee I would not be returning into a hostile environment. The ambulance attendants returned to drive me back across the parking lot and put me back into my Room 116B bed. Joe saw I got settled in, and departed for home at 2:20 a.m. This morning after breakfast I took a shower, completed two daily therapy sessions, had my lunch, and was driven by Michael Franzwa, a former parishioner at Holy Famiy Parish, to my Roseville appointment with my Infections specialist, and upon my return here, was told Mercy General Rehab has a bed for me, which I must claim by 6 p.m. A nursing assistant has packed my belongings, I called Victor to see if he is available to drive me to 40th & J Streets, called to ask Roger Geach if he will be my back up driver, and I am completing this blog column as I await Victor's arrival in about an hour. I am thrilled, make that ecstatic, to be going to where I should have been transferred to two weeks ago. I am confident there I will complete my rehabilitation, and skilled nursing, and succeed in a garnering at the end of this ten week process of healing and preparation, the perfect prostheses on a fully healed right foot and leg stump. In a facility with the care, compassion, integrity, and dignity, for the human person, that are undeniably linked to the Gospel Values we believe, as Disciples of Jesus The Christ..........Fr. Troy David Powers

Thursday, February 24, 2011

A FULL THURSDAY MORNING OF GOOD NEWS AND NOT SO GOOD NEWS...........

I just finished my two therapy sessions for today, in O.T., further practicing my using the board to transfer to and from the wheelchair to the shower bench; at which I am improving each time - and in P.T., in addition to my daily exercises on the new stationary machine cycling with my hands; I also used the parallel bars with the help of my therapist and stood on my left foot and leg for as long as 2 minutes and 45 seconds. The not so good news is, as of 10 a.m. this morning Mercy General Rehabilitation Center has turned down my request for a lateral transfer to their facility, due to my Insurance refusing to pay for it, there; although I would be receiving the same level of intermediate therapy and skilled nursing that I do here, only at a higher standard of facility, and quality of care, over this outdated, behind the times, facility. My diocesan priestly colleagues, Reverend Father Brendan McKeefry, Pastor of Our Lady of Assumption Parish, Carmichael; and Reverend Father Patrick Lee, retired and Pastor Emeritus of St. John the Evangelist Parish, Carmichael and formerly Chaplain at the U.C. Davis Medical Center in Sacramento, made individual visits to me back to back, just after lunch, with the past ninety minutes. Like Msgr. Ed Kavanagh, who visited me here last night, these fraternal and interpersonal visits; upwards of thirty priests and Bishop Soto have come to see me over the past six weeks; make me feel a further sense of continuing connectedness with my priestly vocation as a diocesan priest, even while temporarily in rehabilitation after my amputation. I am hoping and praying that Mercy General Rehab, will find a way to allow me to transfer in the next few days, as the twenty four days remaining before my schedule Discharge back to the OLOL parish rectory, on March 19, is 5 days longer than the entire time I was in the acute rehabilitation at Sutter Roseville. I believe that setting is the best place for me, not only in regards to my personal and social well being, but my spiritual, psychological, and physical progress, healing, care, and comfort, during this intense, post amputation, pre prostheses, period of rehabilitation therapy...........Please God, It Will Happen As Our Lord Jesus Christ Desires For Me And The Priestly Ministry To And With The People Of God I Am Blessed To Share, Fr. Troy

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

DR. COOKSON IS VERY PLEASED WITH THE PROGRESS OF MY AMPUTATION STUMP...........

Keeping my scheduled appointment with Dr. James Cookson, this morning, the appointment went very well. Dr. Cookson removed the steri-strips atop the amputation area, where he had removed the staples from fifteen days ago. He said the site looks great and the healing is happening as it should, The area is still bulbous in shape, which he said the shrinker shock and other accessories will help to taper down and shape into the size necessary for my healed stump to fit into the prostheses in several weeks time. The prostheses is state of the art, not unlike the orthopedic boot I have worn for two periods of time over the past seven years. It is made with a gel in the middle of it, that allows amputees like me, to step into the prostheses and roll it up the rest of my leg, not unlike how I am having to wear the shrinker sock. I asked Dr. Cookson what the start of the ten week preparation period for being placed in the prostheses permanently is. His answer was it includes this period of rehabiltation, but is not a concrete assurance; rather if all goes successfully as expected - it is possible it will happen ten weeks or shortly after my rehabilitation and return to the rectory occurs, which is currently expected to be March 19. So it is possible that I could be standing, walking, and working, in a fully upright and mobile position, by early to mid April, thus by Holy Week and the Easter Triduum, please God. Also, he told me as soon as I feel able to celebrate Mass and the Sacraments, I may resume doing so in my wheelchair, as I have for two years, of the past nine years; thus as soon as the Saturday / Sunday I am back at OLOL...........Praise The Lord And My Doctors And Rehabilitation Team, Alleluia !! Amen !! Fr. Troy

ALLELUIA !!!!!!!!!!! FOR VICTOR !!!!!!!!!!!...........

Victor has just called me, to say he will have someone here to drive me to Dr. Cookson's office in time for my 10:45 a.m., appointment this morning. Leave it to my number 1, "Wheel Man", for the past six years whenever I have been in need he has come through for me, even in a crunch. I reiterate my transportation needs for this Friday and next Monday. If anyone of you in my circle, are available to drive me to either of those appointments, let me know, as soon as you can...........With Appreciation For All The Prayers, Support, And Care, You Continue Showing For Me, Troy

WEDNESDAY MORNING FEBRUARY 23, 8:30 AM - STILL WITHOUT A RIDE TO MY 10:45 AM DOCTOR APPOINTMENT..........

Doing my best to keep my calm, while trying to discover who can drive to my Roseville appointment with Dr. Cookson this morning, I am also having to deal with matters requiring decisions and direction at OLOL. Between medications, therapy sessions, pain control, catching up with sleep, and resting the body sufficiently for healing, and not knowing yet if I will be transferred to Mercy General Rehab, or staying here until my scheduled Discharge back to the parish rectory, my plate is full. Therefore, I will have to be more hands on about the other two doctors' appointments on Friday and Monday, and asny others in the weeks ahead, as paying a minimum of $225.00 per ride, to the transportation offered by the rehab and nursing facility is nonsensical. Victor is understandly unavailable this week given his other responsibilities, but I have a call into him to see if their is anyone there at St. Rose's / St. Patrick's, who is available today. Please God, it all works out, so that I get to see Dr. Cookson and learn when the ten week timeline we are looking at to proceed with the prostheses preparation preparation and placement starts. If you can assist me withgoing to and from one of these current appointments, please call me at, 423-6026..........Confident It Will Happen As It Is Meant To, Fr. Troy

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

MY IMMEDIATE NEED : TRANSPORTATION TO 3 DOCTOR APPOINTMENTS IN ROSEVILLE, WEDNESDAY, FRIDAY, AND MONDAY...........

Any of my personal friends and parishioners past or present, who are available Wednesday morning,(Feb.23) Friday afternoon,(Feb. 25) and Monday morning (Feb. 28) who are available to provide me with rides to my doctors appointments in Roseville; I will appreciate your assistance very much. My appointment with Dr. Cookson, my Orthopedic Surgeon, is at 10:45 a.m., Wednesday at his office near Sunrise and Cirby. My Friday appointment with Dr. Kaliyan, the Infectious Disease specialist is at 1:30 p.m., at the Sutter Roseville Hospital Medical Plaza. My appointment with my Kidney Doctor Bhat, is at 10:30 a.m., Monday, in his office at North Sunrise and Douglas. Please call me on my room phone in 116B, 423-6026; the nurses station will patch you through. In the hours of my rehabilitation that I am resting and laying down after my therapies and sitting up in the wheelchair or at bedside, know that I am thinking, and praying, for you and yours. I return to doing that now, as I go back to bed for the night...........Love + Prayers, Troy

IS THERE A THIRD MOVE FOR ME IN THIS POST AMPUTATION REHABILITATION PERIOD ?...........

Now that things are settling down a bit here at Bruceville Terrace, after the consternation of my unerven start contending with the lack of internet access and being confronted with the difficulty of a double patient room and a fellow patient with constant 24 hour nursing needs, that kept me awake most of the night, four night's in a row, the crescendo being my less than ninety minutes of sleep Sunday night. My near octogenerian roommate, went to a Doctor's appointment in Grass Valley yesterday and did not return. He was placed in th hospital up there. I had a quiet and peaceful day and night, sleeping solidly for multiple hours and rising to a much different day, than the previous five. At 1:55 p.m., the facility Activities Director came to assist me with my antibiotic infusion machine down to the main dining room for Mass. Upon my return just about 3 p.m., a new 47 year old man, Mr. Baker, also an amputee of a year or so, who still does not have a prostheses due to complications. So my shared room experience continues, but at least now I have the computer, with the possibility of opening my interactive window to the world and communicate, at any hour, under the circumstances I have just experienced during the past week, I will be able to withstand less than ideal setting for the days or weeks it may take. With the Business Office closing within the hour on the first day back after the three day weekend, I have heard nothing today yet about arrangements for my possible transfer to Mercy General Rehabilitation Center. I am indicated my desire to be transferred with a individual room and internet being essential to doing so, but I await to learn whether or not it will occur, or I have twenty more scheduled days here finishing out the rehab therapy and skilled nursing, I must complete before returning to the rectory on what is expected to be March 19, St. Joseph's Day, which was my mother's patronal feast day, along with the relatively new feast day of Canossian, Josephine Bakita, who OLOL's Sister Felicity met as a kindergartner herself at age 5, in Italy. After today's official schedule of activities, a morning shower, in the chair assisted with by the Nursing Assistant; Morning Meds from the Nurse; a 1 hour O.T. session, moving on and off the shower bench, using the transfer board in the bath tub; a P.T. session of one hour's length also, standing several more times on my left foot and leg with support from the therapist. Today I accomplished another new high of 2 minutes 30 seconds, 45 seconds longer than yesterday, followed by more stretching exercises on the mat; that led right into lunch and a quick but meaningful visit from my fraternity brother, Mark Peterson; Catholic Mass, at 2 p.m.; meeting my new roommate upon my return to the room; today's visit from Roger Geach, and his Elk Grove neighbor Elmer; and then finishing this blog column before dinner in just minutes, as it is now 5 p.m.; besides some time to rest after dinner.....
.....Then, I I must nail down my rides from within my circle from friends and parishioners to my three doctors' appointments in Roseville, over the next six days. Tomorrow morning at 10:45a.m., I have an appointment with Dr. Cookson, in his office on Sunrise Blvd.; this Friday, at 1:30 p.m., I have an appointment at Sutter Roseville Hospital Medical Plaza, with Dr. Kaliyan, the Infectious Diseases specialist; and next Monday at 10:30 a.m., I have an appointment with Dr. Bhat in his office on North Sunrise Avenue. Anyone of my personal friends, or parishioners past or present, who can be my transportation to these appointments, please call me right away.....That's all for now, as my evening meds arrive and dinner is just behind them. thank you all, for your ongoing care, concern, prayers, calls, cards, calls, and visits. I am greatly blessed that an array of so many exceptionally charitable and conscientious persons have and are, for several decades now affirming and rounding out the ups and downs of my life..........With Trust This Too Will Succeed Permiting My Priestly Ministry As Pastor Of Our Lady Of Lourdes Parish To Proceed, Fr. Troy

Monday, February 21, 2011

A MONDAY FEDERAL HOLIDAY HONORING ALL THE PRESIDENTS IN THE HISTORY OF OUR NATION...........

Today, Presidents' Day, is the third Federal Holiday of 2011, in the United States. Two of the three, I have spent in the hospital and rehabilitation, as many Americans have another three day weekend, and hopefully remember the real purpose of this holiday. In the two hundred and twelve years we have had an American Presidency, as the Executive Branch of the Government of the United States, forty four men have occupied the Office of President / Chief Executive. Traditionally, from the inception of honoring with a national holiday, the birthdays of the two Presidents considered seminal to the founding of our country; and the saving of our nation; the First President of the United States, George Washington, 1789-1797; and our Sixteenth President Abraham Lincoln, 1861-1865; there has been an observance of the Presidents. In 1971, the double holidays commemorating Washington and Lincoln, were combined and merged with remembrance of all our country's Presidents and retitled, Presidents' Day, observed on the third Monday of February, each year ever since. Despite the crises and controversies, the 44 Presidents of the USA have presided over, dealt with, and led our citizens to resolve, and the mistakes, many, if not most have made along the way, the current upheaval in Egypt and the Middle East in recent weeks, is a solid reminder to one and all of us, that we possess the precious gifts of freedom and liberty, to have the oportunity every four years unfailingly, to choose by our personal and collective votes, the person who will govern, lead, and serve, the People of our Land, as a sancrosanct privilege to direct and preside over developing, and proposing, the approaches, direction, and policies, we need to conduct the affairs, and provide the peace and prosperity,justice, equality, decency, and integrity, that are essential to the furtherance and solidarity of our national Union. Those virtues and values in turn, contribute to the peace and well being of the World. May you spend some time today with your families, friends, neighbors, and fellow believers, pondering,the service and leadership, in varied ways and effectiveness, every one of the Presidents of the United States have rendered; to the betterment of this and all countries with the principles and core values that are the foundation and hallmark of all we advocate and believe in for the betterment of the USA and every country seeking to improve and sustain, the progress of peoples, with dignity, and integrity for the human person...........Happy Presidents' Day, Fr. Troy

and values, that are the hallmark of,liberty and justice, and progress, civil, and human rights, for all citizens in the USA and every for all countries around the globe...........Happy Presidents' Day 2011, Fr. Troy
our Union and contribute to

Sunday, February 20, 2011

SO, "NO OTHER PATIENTS WANT INTERNET", HERE, EH ?...........

In my first two days afer transferring rehabilitation locations, in order to comtinue both skilled nursing and rehab for my right foot amputation and the infection which caused it; the transfer cost me universal access to wireless internet service,for more than two days. Why because this is an outdated facility that is need of innovation and renovation, that is at least a decade overdue from the facility I came and othersuch health centers in the Sacramento area. I was told when I inquired as to how to get internet access four different answers in just two days. These four answers began with, 1.) "Wireless Service is not available". Next, 2.) "There are only a few people who want to use a computer; and none of them want to use the internet". Then, 3.) "The Business Office can help you arrange wireless access". Lastly, 4.) "We do not have wireless access, as all our computers are hard drive. You will have to buy a broadband card in a store that sells them to get the internet". Afrer more than two days of confusion and indifference on the part of the staff, to resolve the problem and failing to update me unless I personally asked the status and progress of my request, only to be misinformed, if not lied to; more than fifty hours after I made my request I was left searching for one of my friends to go to an appropriate store to buy me a pre-paid card to access the internet. My final discussions with the staff on late Friday afternoon, it was strongly inferred I was the problem and it was suggested the Business Office would be happy to assist me in going to another facility and I was asked if I had a preferred location. (I do. Mercy General Rehab Center in East Sacramento). Thus, I am in the process of requesting a room available at Mercy General Rehab, where I was meant to be discharged to, from Sutter Roseville Rehab on Friday February 11, until an unknown snafu prevented it. Saturday night at 7 p.m., Steve, from FastBreak Tech, my Rehab Advocate's Computer Technician, arrived in my room and in a quick 7 minutes had me connected to the Internet and back to my Blog, E-Mail, and Facebook, to resume communicating domestically and internationally, both with my parishioners and parish staff, and my wide circle of friends and colleagues here and abroad. I have been using the computer, when not doing my rehab therapies and exercises,or praying, reading, watching the news, resting, on the telephone, spending time with visitors, or dining. Sunday morning following the Communion Service, Ruben Serna and I had a nice conversation and he told me, he is researching and writing a book at present, but cannot continue or complete it, because he is being denied the internet to do so. And he assured me there are three or four other residents, wanting internet access, who along with himself have been told there is absolutely no wireless access available in this building. Yet, I am blogging to you on the internet vis a vis a wireless network connection, thanks to the electronic broadband card Steve from FastBreak Tech connected to my laptop Saturday night. It is wrong any and all patients here who desire to use the internet, are not allowed to do so, due to the facility's lack of current, all but standard, near universal, technology in the United States, that is totally available 24 / 7 to everyone at the othe rehab center I was at. It is also an injustice to those whose professional or personal lives makes computer internet access, all but indispensable in our daily lives. According to the therapists at Sat the first rehab I was in, for those undergoing rehabilitation for the restoration of their health, it is also considered Recreational Therapy. Sadly, the unfortunate reality in this health facility, is behind the times and denying a vital outlet for the ongoing work and responsibilities of patients who need it. In summary, given my more than 80 hours of frustration and anxiety, induced by this shortcoming, and that is being endured by several others for a protracted period, I ask, are the staff and management being indifferent,uncaring, or lacksadaisical, in addressing a legitimate need and request, they could and should undeniably be providing ?..........

MY FIRST SUNDAY MORNING PHONE CALLER IS ONE OF THE "PEARLS" OF PRESENTATION PARISH..........

One of the then and lasting blessings bestowed on me during during my three and a half years at Presentation of the Blessed Mother Parish, in the Arden area of northeast Sacramento, are the many parishioners who truly enhanced my life and ministry. One of those persons is a loyal member of Presentation, who four years before my assignment to the parish, began to pray for me at Mass daily, in 2002, having learned of my health issues from our mutual friend, Ramona Bugatto. Her prayers and constant concern for my well being, even before she met me, I found to be a grace filled reassurance that People of God, even unbeknownst to each other can spiritually fortify one another through the power of prayer and faith. For this wonderful and prayerful Catholic woman, Mary Hopkins, is just such a person of exemplary person of Gospel Values. A regular reader of my blog, she has eagerly awaited my latest updates here, since I lost my internet accessibility on Wednesday morning, leaving Sutter Roseville Rehab, and coming to Bruceville Terrace, until recovering it as I shared in my previous two blog columns, that was restored at 7 p.m. last night. Reading my Saturday night first resumptive blogging this morning, in which I included my current phone number and address, she called me to assure me of her prayers to Padre Pio, for my recovery and chatted with me engagingly about my rehab progress and my inquiries about the her fellow parishioners. Mary's came as I was doing my ablutions and dressing myself, today in the new light grey sweat suit the Geaches brought me since last week upon my arrival here. Speaking of Roger and Karin, they arrived just after 11 a.m., with their oldest son, Ryan, to visit me, bearing their latest treat of homemade, with Splenda, tapioca pudding. There visit today, breaks my two week Sunday drought of visitors, nicely.....That drought is now reenforcedby my end of lunch visit from OLOL parishioners and Parish Bookkeeper and Computer Technian, Patty and Jack Pennington, were just here for a wonderfully pleasant, more than half hour visit. I am truly blessed with such a myriad of decent and caring present and past parishioners, such as Mary Hopkins and the Penningtons; and personal friends such as the Geaches and my new friend and rehabilitation / convalescense advocate, Sharon Bishop and her network. And to shw how even in the midst of my current experience, my small world gets smaller all the time, at the Communion Service this morning my wheelchair was placed next to that of Ruben Serna, brother of the late Sacramento Mayor, Joe Serna; and uncle of new Sacramento County Supervisor in District 1, which includes OLOL Parish, Phil Serna. Ruben and I had a very good introductory conversation and I garnered insights into my previous three day wireless internet access snafu, that I will blog about in my nest column...........God Is Good, God Is Great, Alleuia !!! Amen !!!, Fr. Troy 1:38 p.m. tdp

A SUNDAY OF PRAYER, WORSHIP, EUCHARIST, REHABILITATION THERAPY, AND A NEW ECUMENICAL FRIEND...........

A Canadian fraternity brother of mine, made a new Facebook Friend, in recent months, that he encouraged me to befriend. He calls him, the coolest, most interesting, Mormon he has ever met. He is 31, married, an active, church going Mormon, who is aspiring to become a bodybuilder and a model. He is also quite interested in learning more about Catholicism. So my fraternity brother, thought he would introduce us online and see if I might to be able to answer some of his questions about Catholic-Christianity. He added me as a Facebook Friend this morning, and seems eager to compare what being Catholic is all about as compared to Mormonism. I invited him to consider going to a Catholic Church where he lives near Salt Lake City, and check it out. Visit and tour the church, speak to the parishioners and the parish staff, attend a Mass, when he is ready to do that, to experience what Catholic worship and community, is like. And I agreed to let him compose the questions he has personally about the Church, God, Faith, Catholicism versus Mormonism, and how he envisions all of this fitting into his life and potential future in modeling and bodybuilding. I tread carefully in discussing Catholicism, as his wife and family are staunchly Mormon, and I do not want to stir trouble, but answer the deep and authentic questions he finds himself pondering. This immediately reminded me of something Victor has said to me more than once over the past six years, regarding evangelizing as a priest. Each year of my ministry has provided introductions and interactions, similar to this one, especially with twenty and thirty somethings, and alumni fraternity brothers, which I find to be a rewarding and very affirming part of my vocation; especially when they are they are either blossoming into a new horizon of self discovery; or reactivating the foundations of their childhood faith and religious experiences. My new, ecumenical, Mormon, Facebook friend, Corey and I, may well be headed for a like experience, not necessarily focused on conversion, but a deepening of his personal Faith, as a Believer in God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. It is time for my morning wash-up, dressing, and grooming, today - which I am doing totally by myself...........A Very Happy Sunday On This Presidents' Day Thre Day Weekend, Fr. Troy

MY 5TH SUNDAY POST AMPUTATION AND 1ST SUNDAY IN BRUCEVILLE TERRACE.....IN ADDITION TO THERAPY, THERE IS A CATHOLIC COMMUNION SERVICE HERE TODAY...........

I slept best last night in the past three nights, in Room 116B of Bruceville Terrace - as Mr. Peterson, in bed 116A, had fewer complications overnight and the light on his side of the room, did not go on until 5 am, an hour ago. As this 7th Sunday of Ordinary Time begins, my back and leg pain, are at bay; and I am looking forward to the Communion Service at 9:15 am, especially having not had Communion last Sunday, at Sutter Roseville Rehab. Being in South Sacramento today, not Roseville, I wonder how many visitors the day may brung, after not having anyone the past two Sundays ? I do not expect many, if any, may come from OLOL, although, it is not much further the opposite direction south than north for them to travel, to come here. My computer and internet connection are working wonderfully since Steve of FastTech connected the broadband card last night, for which I am so very grateful. Once more it is abundant proof, how resourceful and problem solving my new friend Sharon Bishop, and the array of my circle of friends truly are. I am most grateful, as this day begins to Reverend Father Frank Lawlor, who is retired - a forty two year priest of the Sacramento Diocese, who agreed last night on last moment's notice to celebrate the two Sunday Masses this morning at OLOL. Father Traynor called me after the 5 pm Mass there last night with word he had to preside at the Mass, as the Sunday Supply priest, did not show for whatever reason. Not able to cover the Masses this morning himself, Father Tony asked me to find a priest(s) to take today's Masses, which from my Rehab bed, fifteen plus miles away on a Saturday night, is no small task. Fortunately, I was able to arrange coverage with Fr. Lawlor's availability and cooperation, thanks be to God. With today's shortage of priests, an ill, or rehabilating Pastor's work is necessary from hospital or skilled nursing rehab facility, to address such vital pastoral needs, as finding a priest for Sunday Mass.....Karin Geach cut my hair yesterday morning, which after nearly six weeks without a haircut, was starting to get long and curly at the back. She did a great job and it looks and feels wonderful. Over the past five weeks plus, she and her husband Roger, have led the way in the number of visits and calls they have made to Sutter Roseville and Bruceville Terrace, to date, to support me with their friendship and love, through this present phase of my health challenges. As they have always been for the three and a half decades I have known their family, from my catechist, lector, pre-seminarian days as a college student at St. Roses's, through my seminary formation and twenty five years of deacon and priestly ministry, they have consistently shared the bounty and generosity of their faithfulness and loyalty with me, as reliably present friends. IT is nearing time for breakfast, so I will close for now, with enthusiasm to be able to blog with and for you, later today, now that my opportrunity to do so, has resumed once more...........Prayers And Gratitude For Your Care And Concern, Fr. Troy

Saturday, February 19, 2011

MY TRANSFER TO BRUCEVILLE TERRACE NEAR METHODIST HOSPITAL IN SOUTH SACRAMENTO HAS TAKEN PLACE, BUT NOT WITHOUT FRUSTRATION...........

HALLELUAH !!!!!!!!!! After 3 days, and 7 hours, of trying to establish internet access here at Bruceville Terrace Nursing and Rehab Facility, in South Sacramento, and a lack of availability in this building of wireless capability, but which led to my be given misinformation with three different answers in just two days, thanks to Sharon Bishop, and her computer thechnician Steve, of Fastbreak Tech, in Sacramento, I am up and back online again; to resume communicating with all of you, my faithful and true Blog readership in the United States and throughout the World. What a joy it is to continue to share the experiences of my Rehabilitation, four weeks tonight following following my right foot amputation, and to keep you fully updated on my progress. I resumed intermediate therapy sessions on Thursday morning, after a two day respite, due to an antibiotic / potentially kidney failure problem with one of my antibiotics in the eight week intravenious antibiotic regime I am undergoing; to heal and prevent all infections as my stump healing proceeds. My nephrologist, Dr. Bhat, caught the serious problem in last Monday's labs, which only then showed up in the lab reports that have been done daily since my hospitalization on January 14. Dr. Bhat got on top of it right away and fixed the problem, avoiding my going into kidney failure; by trading out the malfunctioning antibiotic, which had broken down muscles in my body, sending toxins back into my body and starting to poison me, which would have brought on kidney failure. Replacing the malfeasant antibiotic with one I have used several times successfully, with no side effects, over the past nine years, since my diabetic right foot wound and charcot foot surgery first occurred in 2002, by Tuesday evening and Wednesday, I have feel again, as normal as I have felt the past six weeks, with infection swirling and amputation, rehab, and a thirty pound weight loss happening. I am functioning daily, eating, doing all my therapy sessions, and interacting with staff, therapists, family, friends, parishioners, telephone callers, and visitors, and tolerating have a shared room for the first time in 33 years, since I moved from my family home, and the bedroom I shared with my youngest brother Tom, from elementary school to college. Intermediate Rehab Therapy at Bruceville Terrace, is defined as 1 Occuptational Therapy session, (O.T.) and 1 Physical Therapy session, (P.T.) daily; O.T. after breakfast - and P.T., before lunch. After lunch, I sit up in my wheelchair, or at my bedside for an extended period of time, to strengthen my body further; meet with a myriad of facility staff; exchange phone calls; read; chillax; and once again, I will be Blogging; E-mailing; and Facebooking; as often as I can every day that exists in the four weeks ahead......

The address of Bruceville Terrace is : 8151 Bruceville Road, off the Mack Road 99 South exit, near the Methodist Hospital. My new room Number is : 116 B, in the C section of the facility. The Nurses' Station telephone to be connected through to my room, is : 423-6026. In my first three and a half days here so far, Victor Herrera, Msgr. Kavanagh, Father Montoya, Karin and Roger Geach, and their children - Kellie, and her husband, Patrick Moran, and three of their four children; Rodd, and his wife, Karla, and their three children, as well as phone calls, from and with - Father Traynor, Sister Theresa, Joe Gibson, Sharon Bishop, Ramona Bugatto, Louise Bartridge, Pat Hornback, Sara Nava, the McDaids, Father Oliver, and Curtis Richards; have allievated the frustration and anxiety, that not having internet accessibilty seamlessly available these past 80 hours has caused me. Now I renew my Information Sharing and Recreational Therapy, that allows me to effectively update and communicate with everyone of you, accurately and efficiently..........Thank You For Your Patience, Perseverance, and Understanding, With Me, And The Ourdated Hard Drive Only / No Wireless Accessibility Of This Institution And Building, Fr. 'Very Happily Restored To The Internet Again' Father Troy David Powers

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

USUAL PAIN THE DAY AFTER DR. BHAT'S CHANGE IN MY ANTIBIOTIC TREATMENT...........

On this Wednesday mornling as I am set to be Transferred to Mercy's Brucevikle Terrace near Methodust Hospital, in South Sacramento, I woke up just before 5 a.m., and am watching Dan Elliott, on News 10, while blogging, contending with the lower right back, right arm, and right leg pain, that has been customary for most of the past three and a half weeks, since my amputation. The extraordinary pain and soreness that was caused by the volume of antibiotics and rehab therapies I am undergoing; and the muscle breakdown the one malfunctioning antibiotic led to, Drs. Bhat and LaBlue responded to by changing out with a saline flushing and the replacement antibiotic, seems to be working successfully. I will know just after breakfast, if I am considered stable enough for transfer to Mercy's Bruceville Terrace / Methodist Hospital Rehab / Skilled Nursing Facility in South Sacramento, near Elk Grove. My pain and soreness is much less and more like, it has beem since my hospitalization, surgery, and rehabilitation, began nearly five weeks ago. It has also improved from Monday and Tuesday; and Wednesday through Friday, of last week. I am finishing this blog column and watching the start of the Today Show, as my official day begins. No schedule for therapy has been posted in my room today, so I suppose that means I will be transferred this morning as planned. I will post my move as soon as it is confirmed - here on my Blog, and on my Facebook page...........More To Come Very Soon - Prayerfully In Jesus The Christ, Fr. Troy

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

AN ANTIOBIOTIC / MUSCLE BREAKDOWN / POTENTIAL KIDNEY COMPLICATION..........

After breakfast and my first PT session, in which I stood on my left foot for as much as 90 seconds again,with assistance of the therapist and a walker, I also placed my right knee on another pillowed chair pressing it down, thus simultaneously strengthening both. While sitting in my room in the wheelchair, awaiting my second PT session, I fell asleep for 15 minutes or so, slumped over in the chair. Upon awaking, I felt a very pronounced nausea like reaction, as though I needed to vomit, but could not do so. I also felt an urgent need to urinate, but was unable to do so. Then, a strong headache occurred, and when Vincent, my PT arrived, who did session 1, with me - and was to do session 2, I agreed to try doing the therapy, and went to the gym with him; but as he prepared to put me on the transfer board, he could see how physically deteriated I was and called off the therapy. He took me back to my room, and helped me get back to bed, and reported to the nurses station and wrote an extensive chart note of his observations. Within minutes Dr. Bhat appeared at my bedside for the first time in these thirty two days, and reported that the intense pain in my limbs, is not just ordinary, but being caused as well, by the malfunctioning of one of my intravenious antibiotics, causing muscle breakdown in my body and threatening kidney failure, with toxins already poisoning my body. He told me it, "only showed up in yesterday's latest lab reports, that he has caught it in time, and can and will fix it". He immediately changed out that malfesant antibiotic for another, I have been infused with several times during the past ten years and that has never has caused a problem for me. The flushing out of the toxins from my body, with saline, for the past five hours, and also infusing me with the replacement antibiotic has helped address the problem; and I am feeling normal again, and sitting up at bedside, the past 45 minutes, interneting, and blogging. My deep back pain is a 3 or less, and I feel well enough o go to the Dining Room for dinner, unless the nurses advise me to decide otherwise, and eat in my room tonight. I have a bed available at Bruceville Terrace in South Sacramento, which is adjacent to Methodist Hospital, and now owned and operated by Catholic Healthcare West / Mercy, and I am scheduled to be Transferred tomorrows morning, Wednesday February 16, if my doctors, nurses, and Rehab Team at Sutter Roseville, agree I am stable enough to do so...........An UnEven, Anxious, Complicated, Kidney Threatening, Day, Improving Given Dr, Bhat's Perfectly Proficient, Medical Expertise, Fr. Troy

ANOTHER INSPIRING EARLY MORNING MEETING WITH DR. LABLUE...........

Dr. LaBlue was just in to see me, and further explained the affect the stump shrinker has in lessening the swelling, as well as forming and shaping the amputated leg stump to properly fit into the protheses. We also discussed my improvement in standing up on my left foot for growing lengths of times, especially yesterday's 60 seconds and 90 seconds durations. His response to my calling it, "slow and steady progress", was to respond that it is, "not to slow". Dr. LaBlue concluded his morning visit, by reminding me the weekly staff meeting at which they will discuss my future treatment is this morning. He sounded enthusiastic and optimistic for my continuing success. The Dr.'s closing comment was to commend me for my, "upbeat attitude". I am doing all I can to keep my attitude positive, upbeat, and forward looking, with confidence for success. My soreness and pain are diminished from yesterday morning and taking a 5:45 a.m. dose of my Norco pain reliever is maintaining me in the comfort zone. It has just thundered very loudly, so the current five day rain storm proceeds to soak us with a forecasted 2 - 5 inches of rain this week. I standby to learn, if my five day, overdue, Transfer to Mercy, and what will supposedly be, at Bruceville Terrace, in South Sacramento - will take place Today...........With Trust And Hope It Will Get Accomplished, Fr. Troy

Monday, February 14, 2011

IT'S ALMOST 3 P.M. - AND NO WORD YET ABOUT BEING TRANSFERRED TO MERCY TODAY...........

It is 2:55 p.m., Monday, when my Discharge and Transfer from Sutter Roseville Rehabilitation, to a Mercy Rehab / Skilled Nursing facility, according to the Assistant Case Manager at 4 p.m., when she came to my room to see me, Tomorrow, with my possible Transfer to Bruceville Terrace, adjacent to Methodist, which is a part of the Catholic Healthcare West / Mercy Hospitals Family. I am not going to get too optimistic, under the Transfer is complete. Bruceville Terrace requires more paperwork from Sutter Rehab and the Doctors than the other locations do, making Transfers more complex. i was told here at Sutter Roseville Rehab, that I will know about going there tomorrow, either in the breakfast time, or just after lunch. Mercy General Rehab; Mercy San Juan Rehab; Mercy Folsom; or Bruceville Terrace; are all acceptable locations, as long as Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing, are both available at the facility with a bed available for me. I am physically depleted by today's three PT seesions, two of which I set new highs for standing on my left foot, tall and erect,since my Right Foot Amputation; for 60 seconds, twice this morning and 90 seconds, this afternoon. I was sitting up for six straight hours, from 7 a.m., to 1 p.m., and am trying to add four more hours from 6 p.m., to 10 p.m., tonight. Blogging, E-Mailing, FaceBooking, and CNN; will assist me in doing it if I can. The severe soreness and pain levels, I awoke with this morning has toned down, thanks in part to my realization until after my physical therapies to take my doses of pain reliever, otherwise the therapy session counteracts the comfort and pain lessening of the meds. I waited an hour and a half longer than necrssary this afternoon, so that I could maximize my relief, and get completely comfortable, unobstructed and effectively, during the day and during the night..........Praying It Will Be A Pain Free, Peace Full, Night of Rest And Comfort, Fr. Troy

WILL TODAY BE THE DAY I AM TRANSFERRED TO MERCY ?...........

I slept last night from 10 p.m. - 4 a.m., and awoke with racheted, returned, soreness in my arms, legs, and hands; and substantial pain in my lower right back. I called for my pain reliever, which toned it down, and then discussed it with Dr. LaBlue, at 7 a.m. He says it is a combination of the antibiotics and the therapies, and recommends as I've told the therapists the last several days, we need to push forward despite it. A 7:15 a.m. shower assisted by the Occupational therapist, breakfast, morning meds and my next pain reliever, will keep me comfortable. The morning physical therapy sessions, are jumbled again, so that I have nothing for 1 - 2 hours from now, and a last one scheduled for 3 p.m., if I am still here. My transfer to whichever Mercy Rehabilitation / Skilled Nursing location in Sacramento, is supposed to be Today, but until I receive firm word, probably by 1 p.m., or earlier, I am in a holding pattern here, at Sutter Roseville Rehab, eager to move to a Mercy Rehab and continue the skilled nursing care and rehab, I need before return to OLOL rectory...........Without Fail, Hopefully It Will Be Today, Fr. Troy

Sunday, February 13, 2011

NO VISITORS AGAIN FOR THE SECOND SUNDAY, BUT TONIGHT I HAVE THE GRAMMY AWARDS...........

The 53rd Annual Grammy awards 14 minute opening tribute to pancreatic fighting, Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, was an awesome honor to a singing legend, who has won 18 Grammys in her prolific career to dare, assures it will be an entertaining evening. For the second Sunday in a row here in Sutter Roseville Rehabilitation, No Visitors came to see me, not even the Sunday Eucharistic Minister, has made it a slower day than usual. 2 phone calls this afternoon after my therapy sessions concluded at 2 p.m., from Frank McNamara and Joe Gibson, and a handful of e-mails on Yahoo and Facebook, made a bettered free, and open, nearly four hour period, before dinner, so it was less boring. Laying down from 2:15 p.m. - 6 p.m., I have remained up in the wheelchair since then, and will try to stay up until the end of the Grammys. The Grammy Awards broadcast assures I will be entertained, to offset the absence of others. Dinner was meatballs, rissotto, and a tossed salad with raspberry vinegarette and decaf coffee. My nurse told me earlier to have a bedtime snack, so as to wake up with a bed sugar higher than this morning's 59. That's All For This Edition Of 'Insights Into Life And Faith'...........Father Troy David Powers

A FULLER - THAN HAS BEEN, LUNCH MEAL...........

Sunday lunch included both soup, crackers, and salad, a breast of lemon chicken with zucchini, canned cling peaches, and a raspberry ice Crystal Light water. The only downside being that the two patients sitting near me received large French dip sandwiches, and oh what I would give for more beef than I have been allowed for the past two and a half to four weeks, in Sutter Roseville Hospital and Rehabilitation Institute. I have one more PT session at 1:30 p.m., and then will be free for the rest of the day. Hooray !!!!! Please God, visitors and phone calls, will come, to pass it pleasantly.....The Grammy Awards are being broadcast tonight on CBS, so it should be an entertainingly enjoyable evening, in prime time. Every call, every visit, is helping to keep my spirits lifted and a positive and productive focus maintained, as the next physical challenge to be met, in my lifelong disability journey. When my physical therapist arrives in a few moments, I have another wheelchair to change into, as the broken right leg rest and the faulty, even when set brakes, are being a real problem on my current wheelchair...........Onwards, Fr. Troy

5:20 P.M. Frank McNamara, and Joe Gibson, made check in phome calls to chat and catch up this afternoon, my only phone calls today. For the second Sunday in a row, I have had No visitors as of now.

AN EARLY START 5:30 - 7 A.M. TO THIS SUNDAY MORNING FEBRUARY 13...........

My day got off to a very early start as the nurse came in at 5:30 a.m., to have me drink some apple juice and take my pain reliever. At 6:30 a.m., Dr. LaBlue checked in on me, telling me, "I am a, low maintenance patient". At 7 a.m., a OT therapist got me out of bed, that was a session of grooming for the day. My blood sugar was only 59, at 7:50 a.m., so the nurse gave me a cup of orange juice. Thirty minutes later, as I finished my breakfast, it has risen to 81. A half hour PT session at 8:30 a.m., turned into a 60 minute plus session, as the second half of my session ran into the therapist's next session with another patient. Changing my my right leg amputation bandage and the rest of my morning meds, while I am back in bed for an hour, before my 10:30 a.m. OT session, then lunch and a 1:30 a.m. PT session, to finish today's therapies; and hopefully , leading to a chillaxing afternoon and evening, with more than a few visitors and phone calls to pass the day with..........More As This Sunday Unfolds, Fr. Troy

Saturday, February 12, 2011

A RESTFUL, RELAXING, RE-GROUPING, CHILLAXING, SATURDAY DAY OFF..........

This restful, relaxing, Saturday has let me regroup from the pain and the soreness of the past two days, and my Day Nurse, Melody, has been on top of giving me all my meds, especially my pain reliever in a timely fashion. My lower back and right leg pain, has remained minimal and tolerable, all day; allowing me to sit up for 5 hours from breakfast unti after lunch. I then got up again to take my scheduled bath, at 2:30 p.m., and returned to bed from 3-6 p.m., and had a delightful visit from Joe Gibson, from 3:30 - 4:45 p.m. Karin and Roger Geach, were here from 12 Noon - 1 p.m., bring me a few more clothes, and taking my laundry home to do it; and plan to return it to me after my transfer. A phone conversation with Fr. Steve Avella, and a call from Victor Herrera, and after dinner while sitting up again until 9 p.m., a well rounded, forty five minute plus, telephone conversation with my Phi Pi 3, Fraternity Brother Jon Salinger, and a call from Fr. Tony Traynor, completed my external communications today. I have just taken my evening pain reliever to stay in the comfort zone, which is at a 3 - 4, on the scale of 10. Another dose at about 11:30 p.m. - 12 Midnight, should keep me comfortable until at least 4:30 a.m. I am watching Piers Morgan, while sitting up for a few hours before going to bed until morning. All in all, it has been an enjoyable and more normal day...........With Gratitude As I Do My Best To Be Patient Waiting On My Transfer To Mercy, Fr. Troy

MY SECOND SATURDAY DAY OFF AS I AWAIT MY DISCHARGE AND TRANSFER...........

At 6:30 a.m., the new doctor, who is covering for his colleague, who went home to India, for a month came into my room to introduce himself and informed me I have the day off today. There is a possible chance I will be transferred to a Mercy facility today, or tomorrow, but more likely it will happen on Monday. Meanwhile, I will do my best to sit up in my wheelchair as long as I can, throughout the day, as Dr. LaBlue, (sp.) said sitting up in the wheelchair will up my strength, while large periods of time in bed is weakening. Fortuback and right leg nately, my soreness is much lesser than it has been, but my current lower back, and right leg pain present,is a 7, on a scale of 10. So I have told my Day Nurse, I will take my pain reliever right after breakfast, my last dose being at 3 a.m. I also will need to find someone to help me do my laundry today, as I have no clean clothes left as of now. I am hoping for a visitors today to pass the day with and await the calls to come also.....I have just taken my morning meds, including my pain reliever and insulin. My back pain is already an 8, out of a scale of 10, after being up ninety minutes, but my soreness has lessened over what is was in recent days. It is still slowing my movements on the transfer board, making me be more persistent. Besides blogging, e-mailing, and Facebooking, I am also watching CNN...........That's My Update Up To The Moment, Fr. Troy

Friday, February 11, 2011

HOSNI MUBARAK RESIGNS AS PRESIDENT AFTER 30 YEARS AND A 18 DAY PROTEST REVOLT...........

Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, the thirty year dictator of his People, resigned fully three and a half hours ago, after a tumultuous eighteen day round of young protesters in open revolt in the strrets of Cairo, and Alexandria, demanding generationl change in the leadership and government, and the establishment of a democracy in Egypt. Handing over all governing power to the Military, until the Election to choose a new President for Egypt, scheduled for September, Mubarak resigned as President, handing over all power to thr highest councils of the Egyptian government. The Military will serve as the transitional government until fair and free elections for President in the Autumn. Jubilation is the response to the resignation. After 30 years and ever increasing, dissatisfaction and unrest with Mubarak's control, this was the right decision for Egypt, the Middle East, and the World...........In The Spirit Of Freedom And Democracy, Fr. Troy

DAY 15 OF THERAPIES AT SUTTER REHABILITATION BEGINS AND IS PROCEEDING AS A DAY OF SEVERE SORENESS...........

I awoke this morning feeling very sore in my arms, legs, back, and hands, likely a combination of the antibiotic regimen I am being treated with, combined with, the intensity of acute rehab therapies, is causing all this soreness and will continue to for at least the next two weeks, given I have two weeks of this antibiotic regime to complete.....Today, is the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. My planned 'State Of The Parish' Address, and 'Spirit Of Our Lady of Lourdes Certificates of Service', will obviously not take place today. But some of the parishioners have arranged for a priest to celebrate a Parish Feast Day Mass tonight.....Today, is also Reverend Monsignor Edward J. Kavanagh's Birthday !!!!!!!!!!! Many Happy Returns, as you celebrate your personal solemnity and open a new year of Life Msgr. K. .....I am in bed awaiting my next therapy session in fifteen minutes, watching CNN's coverage of Egypt's Jubilation at Hosni Mubarak's resignation and the country's taken over by the Egyptian Military...........A Sore, But Struggling Ahead Rehab Patient, Fr. Troy

...........No word yet on a bed being available at a Mercy facility. Please God that call comes today...........

Thursday, February 10, 2011

MEALS, MEDICATIONS, AND MORE THERAPY, TODAY - UNTIL THE BED AVAILABILITY CALL FROM MERCY COMES...........

It is my Discharge Day from Sutter Roseville Acute Rehabilatation, exactly fourteen days after entering and I will be keeping a regular schedule here until I receive the phone call, informing me when Mercy Rehab and Skilled Nursing, has a Bed Available for me. I have three PT and two OT therapy sessions schedule today, between 9 a.m., and 3 p.m., and the Protheses professional is supposed to bring me a Stump Shrinker Sock, to fit over the amputation.....My first PT session at 9 a.m., with Patrick, and Alicia, was very successful. With their assistance and support, and Patrick's strength, I was able to stand tall on my left foot, three times - for 30 seconds; 45 seconds; and 45 seconds; an increase from a weakened and collapsing 3 - 5 seconds, just 11 days ago.....My second physical therapy session at 1 p.m., was more standing on my left leg and foot, with the support of the parallel bars, were much improved with help therapists. Not as long a three standings this afternoon, 15 seconds; 25 seconds; 30 seconds; as compared to this morning.....An OT session at 1:30 p.m., practiced with me transfers on and off the commode, without a transfer board. The transfers lifting and moving across to commode, or back into the wheelchair.....The day's third and final PT session, thirty minutes of lifting myself up from the mat, as though I was going to transfer to the wheelchair with the transfer board, and stretching and straighting my right leg out, up, and down, I had only gas fumes in my tank to finish, but I did. My back pain has been throbbing all day, so I have been back in bed since 3 p.m., and will stay in bed for dinner and the rest of the night. My latest dose of pain reliever is working and after 5 hours sitting up today, I do not want to disrupt my comfort zone taking hold, or increase the pain. Although I have not been discharged as scheduled, hopefully, Mercy will have a bed available at one of their locations, tomorrow, or by the weekend. I am very ready to move on and make further successful rehab / skilled nursing progress...........Fr. Troy

.....Although no personal visitors today, I have truly delightful phone calls from Fr. Oliver Maher, Roger Geach, Sharon Bishop, Ralph Merletti, and Joe Gibson, and a return call from to Sara Nava. I have also expanded my communication updates to other friends and parishioners, in my previous parishes...........fr.tdp

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

COUNTDOWN TO REHAB DISCHARGE AND TRANSFER TOMORROW HOPEFULLY...........

Wednesday evening has arrived, the eve of my Acute Rehabilitation at Sutter, ending - I am awaiting a call tomoitrrow fron Mercy, about bed availability at one of their facilities. Hopefully, that will happen Thursday. If I am not yet ready, due to my current, continuing, nursing and rehab needs, to return to OLOL rectory, then Mercy Rehab / Skilled Nursing care will be a fantastic place to be andto continue my progress rehabilitating with. My dear, thirty three year friend, from our CSU-Sacramento days together, Teri Tenenbaum Currier came to visit me this afternoon,waiting in my room for me to return from the gym, at the end of my last therapy session, and we had tremendous 75 minute plus reunion, having not seen each other in several years. My very good friend, Joe McNamara, called at about the same time, and I hope we re-connect in the next day or two. Scott Vogelsang is coming to see me tonight. He is a Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity brother. I will likely be dreaming about my transfer to Mercy Rehab, in a few hours. The chief doctor tonight before dinner tonight, that muscle pain I have been enduring these past weeks is caused by the antibiotics I am taking multiple times by I.V. infusion everyday. Going to watch some of CNN's Egptian Uprising coverage before Scott, oh here he is now arrives...........Fr. Troy

TODAY'S THERAPY SESSIONS ARE MORE SPACED OUT ON THE SCHEDULE FROM 8:30 AM - 4 PM.....THEN AFTER THE 8:30 SESSION TOTALLY RE-ARRANGED...........

As this Wednesday begins my Rehab Therapy Sessions are much more spaced out tielfm-wise than they have been, immediately after breakfast at 8:30 am; then 10:30 am; 1:30 pm; 2 pm; and 5 pm. 3 PT sessions, 1 OT session, and 1 RT session, which I am doing a practice session myself right now; by blogging this column. The first therapy session was PT, an agressive half hour of stretching both legs, against pressure from the therapist; partially on my back, and partially on my stomach, laying on the mat. I was awakened by a nurse at 5 a.m., and asked if I wanted to take a shower at that hour. I chose to take the shower this afternoon, when I am fully alert between therapies. I was brisked undressed and dressed for the day at 6 a.m., and remained in bed until 7:50 a.m., watching the first hour of the Today Show and Matt Lauer's live,in studio, interview with First Lady Michelle Obama. The second therapy session is at 10:30 am, so in addition to blogging, in between time, just to varietize my free periods I am watching some of Regis and Kelly, as they celebrate their 10th Anniversary partnered together. The First Lady is also a guest on their program today. MYOne of my day nurses and a student assigned to assist with me, asked if I would take my shower at 9:30 am, and I did. My next physical appeared at 10:05 am, telling the rest of my day's schedule has been rearranged. So I have four more therapy sessions at times to be announced.....1:50 p.m. >>>>>2 more physical therapy sessions were put on my schedule before lunch, which is 4 sessions in three and a half hours. At the fourth session, I successfully stood up, for 15-20 seconds twice on my left foot with the assistance of the parallel bars and two therapists; ten days after I could barely stand at all, without my left foot collapsing in 3 - 5 seconds, Therapy, training, time, and PATIENCE, pays off, when I am on the real, and same page with others assisting me. I am told I have a 1:30 p.m. session, not sure of which therapy; and a 5 p.m. recreational therapy session. So frre / visitor time is between 2 -5 p.m., and 7 - 9 p.m.; and optimistically I will have a visitor or more...........With Anticipation For Continuing Productive Progress, Fr. Troy

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

MY SKILLED NURSING REHABILITATION WILL CONTINUE MOST LIKELY IN A MERCY FACILITY..........

The Head Doctor here at SRI, told me this morning that the Rehab Team at their weekly meeting about the patients, feel that I am not yet ready to be released directly home to the OLOL rectory; but for awhile transfer into a skilled nutsing facility. I have called Mercy about bed availability locally, preferably as of tomorrow, Thursday,or Friday;,hopefully, Mercy Folsom, because Dr. Cooksen has courtesy visiting privileges there. I will still be needing caregiving and assistance from my adult male friends and parishioners present or past, 18 years old and above, who are strong and young enough, to lift me from bed to wheelchair, and / or including in or out of the rectory and church. The hours I will need for this caregiving / assistance initially back in the OLOL rectory are 7 pm -7 am..........I am progressing slowly, daily - as I learn and complete my Physical and Orthpedic Therapies and Exercises. My physicality from birth to the present, has always proceeded slowly with substantial training and patience,required of me and others, as my onset of diabetes; and the ulcers and wounds it has created, verified - after I trained my left leg and foot to do things never before done before by the left side of my body. I am in bed and quite exhausted, but thanks to attentive nurses,and proper pain relief meds, I am feeling quite comfortable, with my continuing, full lower back, left to right, deep muscle pain...........Hoping For An Affirmative Response From You My Dedicated And Loyal Male Friends And Parishioners, And Fraternity Brothers, Fr. Troy

SEEKING MALE CAREGIVERS, FROM MY CIRCLE OF FRIENDS, ESPECIALLY FROM 7 PM - 7AM, ONCE MY DISCHARGE OCCURS...........

With a projected discharge date from Sutter Rehabilitation Institute of this Thursday February 10, and an expected return to Our Lady of Lourdes rectory, I am seeking male friends, and parishioners past and present, who can help provide overnight caregiving and assistance in the in the initial weeks I am home. 7 pm - 7 am, are the hours I need to have someone with me. If you feel you can help me and are available for a night or more, to provide me with your assistance, please contact me right away. You can call me on my cell, 916-396-2309; or my SRI room phone, 916-878-2512; or e-mail, or Facebook me, at troypow@yahoo.com . Thank you for your willingness to share some of your personal time, talent, and treasure, with me to improve my prospects for a successful recovery and a productive preparation for a perfect protheses on my right foot and leg...........`Gratefully Yours For Your Friendship And Fraternity, In My Time Of Special And Crucial Need, Fr. Troy

Monday, February 7, 2011

6 MONDAY THERAPY SESSIONS COMPLETED; BRINGS, REST AND RELAXATION IN MY BED AFTER A SHOWER AND DOING SOME OF MY EXERCISES LAYING DOWN..........

Sara Nava called in follow-up to her Saturday visit with her husband, son, and grandson, this afternoon and we had a great chat. Fr, Traynor called before lunch, so that the quality of the calls are magnified, even as the number of calls decline. My nurse told me before lunch, she spoke to Dr. Cooksen this morning and that he will see me tomorrow to remove my sutures and discuss the overall situation. My back pain has remained mild today, but remains present, now in the lower right back and across my back, with the lower left back, definitely in third place for level of pain. Hopefully, this evening will bring a few visitors.........It's time for 'John King USA', on CNN. More To Come, You And Loyal Blog Readers, Fr. Troy

9:10 PM - After dinner, I received and had an enjoyable telephone conversation with Joe Gibson, and a lengthy visit from parishioners, Damon Pierman, Innocencio Rangel, and Jerry Mamola..........Finding Male Caregivers to assist me, especially overnight in the Rectory is my current # 1 Goal.....More Tomorrow, Fr. Troy

FEELING MUCH BETTER THAN YESTERDAY, WITH LESSENED PAIN AND IMPROVED PHYSICAL ABILITY...........

My day long Sunday back pain has substantially decreased today, but now seems to be anchored as much in the lower right back and completely across my back, as well as in the lower left back. Howerver, with on schedlue, pain relievers, I am fully able to do my necessary board transfers, and physical and occupational therapies. OT this morning was shaving myself, totally by myself, for the first time in nearly four weeks. PT this morning was concentrated on living with an amputation. It was in a group of three of us who are amputees and two therapists. Changing and Wrapping the amputation twice daily and insisting it be done, watching how the wrapping is correctly placed on the stump, and several stretching exercises, as well as rolling onto my stomach three times a day, while exercising the amputated leg, made for a full hour long work-out. Working the medications and I.V. treatments between the therapy sessions, with two more OT sessions this afternoon and a shower, following lunch lay ahead, the rest of the day. I spoke with Fr. Traynor this morning, as he called in mid-morning, and hoping for whatever visitors choose to come to see me today...........With Confidence My Rehabilitation Transition Continues To Unfold In A Timely Manner, Fr. Troy

Sunday, February 6, 2011

A SUNDAY WITH 6 THERAPY SESSIONS AND HOPEFULLY MANY VISITORS AND CALLERS...........

An early start to Sunday morning wake-up call, with a 5 am nurse visit to get up and get dressed. Then I laid in bed for another 2 hours, befor getting up for my first PT appointment, in the gym, stretching and exercising, my right leg. Then it was to the Dining Room, where for the third time since Wednesday morning, my breakfast was not available, as it had not been prepared. I was given a cup of orange juice, and decided to retrurn to my room and wait for my 8:30 am OT therapy, instead of sitting there again and watch all the other patients eat their breakfasts. Additionally, my therapy schedule has been disrupted several time, in the past ten days, as my copy of the schedule has read one time for a particular therapy and the therapist's another. I started my day up in significant pain, as one of the nurses in the dark, flattened by bed completely at 5:30 am, causing my lower left back pain to increase inordinately, and by the time I got up, spreading across my back all the way to the right side, and being 6 to 7, on the 1-10 pain scale, and by 9:30 am, sitting up for two and a half hours, to 10 +. Two phone calls today to this hour, both coming just before, or during a therapy session in my bed. Rev. Fr. Dan Bollard, called from I reland just before my 11 am physical therapy. No personal visitors today, which has made the pain and the day seem much more drawn out. I am hoping to get up for dinner within the hour and recapture some positive experience before Nightfall Descends...........Fr. Troy

Saturday, February 5, 2011

CHILLAXING WITH CNN AND SPECIAL VISITORS...........

After breakfast today, I sat up in the wheelchair until ten minutes after 11 am, while getting my morning meds, insulin, and I.V. treatments taken care of; then returned to bed to take pressure off the remaining deep muscle pain in my lower lefy back, and to maximize the calming and comforting affect of the pain reliever it was time for me to receive. Fr. Steve Avella arrived to visit me just after I transfer boarded into my bed. We had an enjoyable, one hour conversation. Shortly after Steve departed, The woman I nicknamed thirty years ago, 'Our Lady of Lantana', for the street she lives on, Sara Nava - appeared with her husband Pete, and son Michael, and grandson Brandon, for an enjoyable visit. I spoke with Teres Mugnaini, in mid-morning and received a phone call from Joe Gibson, to check in with me in the mid-afternoon. I will get up for dinner in the Dining Room, about an hour from now, then sit up in my room for a good while longer afterwards, and do more recreational therapy vis a vis the internet, books, and newspapers..........Chillaxing To The Maxx Today After A Thorough Octave of Therapies, Fr. Troy

AFTER A CONSECUTIVE 8 DAYS, AND FOUR DOZEN THERAPY SESSIONS, I GET SATURDAY OFF...........

When one of my overnight nurses came into my room at 6:30 am to help me dress for the day, he informed me I have no therapy sessions scheduled today, after eight consecutive days of some four dozen Physical, Occupational, and Recreational Therapy sessions, when the normal is five days therapy and one often times, two days off. I survived and succeeded in completing the full and work-out of the first eight days, making progress, slowly but surely, as I practiced and completed the therapy sessions; and am confident I will continue to steadily progress and succeed. My projected discharge date from Rehab is still next Thursday, February 10, given I am able to arrange for caregivers to assist / observe my transfer board moves from bed to wheelchair, wheelchair to car, etc.; and to be with me overnight for the immediate convalescensce period ahead. My pre-breakfast blood sugar this morning was only 73, in the normal range; and yet my breakfast was relatively light, so that my nurse tells to indicate my desire for a snack before lunch, to keep my blood sugar stable. Ilook forward to doing Recreational Therapy, at my own pace today - blogging, e-mailing, facebooking, telephoning, ad welcoming visitors. I am also following the Eyptian Crisis updates on CNN. Waiting to eagerly see who my first weekend visitor is today, on this restful, recreational, Saturday...........More Later, Fr. Troy

Friday, February 4, 2011

A FULL FRIDAY OF TRANSFER BOARD THERAPIES IN 6 APPOINTMENTS...........

Today started with dressing at 6 am, with 7 scheduled therapy appointments between 8:30 am - 5 pm, with only a few short breaks. All but the 7th Recreational Therapy, RT - were focused on transfer board transfers from bed to chair; chair to mat; mat back to chair; and chair / to commode and shower chair and return. It was a full and thoroughly wor-out Sunday. Roger & Karin came to visit in mid morning with several more pairs of the shorts and shirts that work so well in working my transfers on the board, and their visit was simultaneous with that of an OLOL Parishioner. The Tongan Coordinator from OLOL brought their Coordinating Priest, who is in Sacramento this weekend, to meet and visit with me, just before lunch. Resting in bed a short time until well after lunch, I then got up to complete my afternoon therapies, to the point of returning back pain; as although the abcess in my back and infection are gone, the pain is deeply engrained in my back muscle. Resting and pain reliever keeps it under control. My left arm after two plus days of throbbing pain, toned down greatly today, as since Wednesday afternoon, I have not been using it on my left wheelchair wheel. Again that will have to be developed and trained slowly, as all my physical exercise and exertion has to be. The last word from my final therapist this afternoon, is that next week we will be working on having me stand independently on my left foot for more than a few seconds, which is not yet ready to happen. As I believe, all things in time, after much training and practice on my part as well as Rehabilitation / Convalescent assistance. I am blogging after dinner, as the 7 pm hour unfolds, will return to my bed, to stave off more severe back pain, rest, watch the news of the day on CNN...........Continuing To Make Progress, Fr. Troy

MAKING STEADY PROGRESS IN REHAB...........

Thursday was a full and busy day of 6 Therapies, that began with a CAT-SCAN on my back. The result came back positive. The Doctor who did my morning after Amputation cultures and sample testing, reviwed the Cat - Scan, and found that the abcess is gone and that the infection has cleared up. I still have significant lower left back pain, probably caused by the pain being deep in the muscles. But it is very good news, as the antibiotics worked, with out surgery on my lower back,and spine. Nurses and Therapists alike say my normal color has returned to my face today, whereas yesterday laying on pillows in bed, it was hard to distinguish between my face and the pillow. My substantial left arm pain which has intensified the past three days, lessened last night and this morning sufficiently enough that I slept soundly for several hours overnight. I have given permission to Bishop Soto and Dr. Cooksen to discuss my Amputation and its aftermath; and again this morning the nursing staffed has affirmed my expected discharge date from Rehabilitation, as being next Thursday Feb. 10.....I give a special 18th Birthday shout-out to Dylan Welch, in Dallas, who is a graduating high school senior, and has been accepted into Texas A & M University, in the Fall.....Happy Birthday Dylan !!!!!!!!!!! That's My Update For Now, Fr. TROY

Thursday, February 3, 2011

THE TIME FOR PRESIDENT MUBARAK TO GO HAS COME.....BEFORE VIOLENCE AND KILLNG RAVAGES EGYPT AND FURTHER HARMS THE MIDDLE EAST...........

Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak's decision not to contest the next election in September, is a wise choice. But vowing to stay on until then, is not. Especially, after the past three days violence of pro-Mubarak forces against the anti Mubarak protesters. A drawn out eight month transition to new Egyptian leadership, with President Mubarak can only worsen the Egyptian Crisis and further damage the country and the Middle East. It is my view that a quicker, smoother, change over is necessary; and that Hosni Mubarak must step down now, not in eight months time. It must be down diplomatically and sensitively, but with dispatch and resolution. Otherwise, the entire Middle East peace process and the Egyptian People stand to suffer unnecessary bllodshed and death, all so that one man can cling to power for a little longer time...........May Wisdom, Peace, And Justice Prevail, Fr. Troy

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

THE PRESENTATION OF THE LORD AND THE BLESSING OF CHURCH CANDLES 2011...........

It has been 40 Days, since Christmas Day. In our Catholic-Christian Tradition, this is the liturgical Feast of the Presentation of the Lord Jesus in the Temple. The first born son of devout Jewish parents, honored God and the Law, by presenting their infant child in the Temple. today is also Candlemas Day, the annual day of blessing, of all he candles in the Catholic Church, used for Masses, Sacraments, Prayer Services, and Devotional purposes throughout the year.....Day 8, of the current Egyptian Crisis, has beem a much more vJiolent anti Mubarak / pro Mubarak confrontation. More than 600 people are reported to have been injured; and how many have been killed. Even CNN's Anderson Cooper and his colleagues ib Cairo, were attacked and beaten by pro Mubarak protesters.....MY Rehabiltation Day 4, at SRI, in Roseville, was filled with 6 Therapy Sessions, and visits from Msgr. Ed Kavanagh, Victor Herrera, OLOL parishioner, Helen Treulufian, Msgr. Jim Murphy, Fr. Mark Richards, and phone calls from Joe Gibson, Ray Riehle, Curtis Richards, and Karin & Roger Geach. More tomorrow, with 6 Therapy Sessions and a Cat Scan...........Watching Piers Morgan Tonight, And Awaiting My Night Medications, Fr. Troy

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

AN HONEST AND REALISTIC STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS BY GOVERNOR BROWN GIVEN CALIFORNIA's $28.8 BILLION FISCAL CRISIS...........

California Govrnor Brown delivered his 8th 'State of the State' Address, last night, laying out his Plan to eliminate California's massive Budget Crisis. His proposal is to cut $12.5 billion in spending and $12 billion in a five year continiation of current tax increases. Ithink Governor Brown Proposal is reasonable, as well as drastically necessary, if we are to eradicate and redirect the economy and financial stability of California. That is unless we choose to do nothing and worsen our State, or endure the further draconian spending cuts to Education, Public Safety, the Safety Net, and Health Care, vital to all Californians; especially our most vulnerable citizens. What the Governor is proposing will only be enacted by the Vote of the California People. What viable alternative can those who oppose Governor Brown's proposal offer ? If we continue to delay and deny dealing with depth of the deficit we are buried under what will we do to resolve this seriously crippling deficit ? Kicking the can down the road is not acceptable and will only further compound and exacerbate the problem. Please God for the present and future prosperity and success of the Golden State we love and revere proactive and productive action will be taken soon - very soon...........In Reasonable Expectation of Bi-partisanship And Consensus That Serves The Restoration of California's Fiscal Integrity And Stability, Fr. Troy

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