Tuesday, April 1, 2008 -- 10:13 AM   Sleep, Spies, and Cats.   Last night was a repeat of the one before it.  There was very little, if any, sleep.  These nights without sleep are starting to get on my nerves.  I am also starting to get somewhat grumpy with other people.   I must assume that one of the reasons I cannot sleep is because I am still having some pain in my legs.  This afternoon I am going to see my physical therapist.  I hope she can do something to help make my situation better with regard to the pain.   Another reason that I cannot sleep is because somehow I keep managing to get scrunched up in my bed.  When that happens, I do not have the strength in order to move myself into a better and more comfortable position.  When I woke up this morning, I seemed to be shaped like a pretzel.  That is not too cool!   I was supposed to go see my orthopedic surgeon next Monday, but that has been changed due to one of my CNAs who could not keep her mouth shut about something I said to another CNA.  I had asked a very good CNA, whose name is Rachelle, to accompany me to my doctor's office because I am unable to reach the elevator buttons, etc.  She had agreed to do that, but when the new CNA heard of our plans she went to the home health care agency yesterday and apparently told the head of it what was going to happen.  That woman told Rachelle not to "give Jim any special treatment."  I cannot see what any business that was of hers, especially since I was going to pay Rachelle with my own money.   Since Rachelle cannot go with me, I am planning on asking my sister to take her place.  I have learned one good thing from this experience, and that is that it appears as though the new CNA is a spy.  I also consider her to be in violation of the terms of confidentiality.  I do not intend to do anything about that, but at least I know that I cannot safely talk in front of her.   I have almost decided that I am going to get a cat.  After thinking about this for more than a year, I think it will be a good decision.  If I can get my doctor to write a note to the management here, saying that I need a companion cat, that could possibly save me an expenditure of $300.  If the doctors seem to think that I need another warm body in the apartment with me, I think it best if I go along with their recommendations.  Although one of my CNAs is allergic to cats, she has already told me to go and do what I want.   Does anyone know whether there is any such thing as a non-allergic cat?  If so, please let me know.   Quotes for Success:   “A stumble may prevent a fall.”   English Proverb