Whatever it is it has struck our family... Miserable stuff with fever, chills, headache, body aches, and extreme gastrointestinal issues (to put it nicely). I have been fighting it for about a week or so now. My husband succumbed to it today. My FIL started with symptoms on Friday while driving to California with my SIL and her two kids. FIL ended up in the hospital due to complications on Saturday and was kept overnight! The SIL and two kids have been fighting it since Friday as well. I can't begin to imagine how miserable that trip was for them all :(
We have heard that this can last for 3 weeks. I really hope that isn't true! I can't imagine flying feeling like this :(
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Winter Weather
It seems that Winter is here to stay at least here in my little corner of the world. It has snowed more days than not so far this month. At least it seems that way...
Although the snow is beautiful along with the cold weather comes increasing pain and problems for me. I have an appointment with a new Rheumatologist PA the first part of December. I am hopefully but trying not to get my hopes up concerning what she can do to help me.
I also have my travel details for going home for the holidays. I will be flying to Florida to be with my parents for Christmas and New Years. Since I will be there for 3 weeks, I am trying to make plans to see friends also. Mostly though I am going to be trying to keep myself busy which shouldn't be hard with the HUGE freelance project I am working on. I have mixed feelings about going home. I am excited to go; however, I am sad that my husband will not be able to go with me. This will be the first Christmas that we will have spent apart since we met.
Although the snow is beautiful along with the cold weather comes increasing pain and problems for me. I have an appointment with a new Rheumatologist PA the first part of December. I am hopefully but trying not to get my hopes up concerning what she can do to help me.
I also have my travel details for going home for the holidays. I will be flying to Florida to be with my parents for Christmas and New Years. Since I will be there for 3 weeks, I am trying to make plans to see friends also. Mostly though I am going to be trying to keep myself busy which shouldn't be hard with the HUGE freelance project I am working on. I have mixed feelings about going home. I am excited to go; however, I am sad that my husband will not be able to go with me. This will be the first Christmas that we will have spent apart since we met.
Monday, October 25, 2010
First Snow
Today we had the first snow of the season... I can not believe that it is already that time of year!! The snow has been falling all day and through the night with very crazy winds. It seems like it went from the lovely Fall weather that we had been having to the dreary cold and miserableness of Winter overnight here. I keep hoping that this really is not the start of Winter here in earnest, but I think that it most likely is indeed. My garden is most likely done for too :( I was hoping that the carrots, beets, and onions might have made something... I guess once the snow melts - if the snow melts in the next few days I will go and check. I just hope that the ground isn't frozen solid! If it is then there is no hope of me pulling anything up to check!
Monday, October 4, 2010
Just Not Feeling Well
I can't seem to put my finger on what is wrong; however, I have not been feeling well at all for the last few weeks. I know that it is most likely something related to my Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome but what exactly is going on eludes me. I have been experiencing a big increase in the horrible muscle and joint aches along with the bouts of inability to think straight and extreme dizziness. I also am having an increase in GI issues and the literally mind numbing headaches. I don't think any of it is food related as I have been hyper vigilant as always with ensuring that I don't have any of my off limits foods. The one thing that I am sure about is that I am very very tired of being unwell. I want off this merry go round and can't seem to find a successful way to achieve that desire.
In other news, I have fired my Rheumatologist only she doesn't know it yet. They called a month of so to let me know that she was unable to keep my last appointment and I just have not rescheduled it. I honestly do not have any plans to reschedule... I finally was able to obtain a copy of a fairly serious and expensive lab test that she had done almost a year ago. It is called an ANA panel if any of you are familiar with the blood test. She had told me that everything was fine on the results. She lied. Well when I finally got a copy I found out that it was anything but fine. I currently am trying to find a doctor that really can interpret the results and what they mean. However, even a layperson knows that it isn't good when things read positive and are listed in the abnormal range. Based on my research I am trying very hard not to jump to any conclusions as there are a list of things that are possible with the results I have. Lets all just hope that it is the EDS showing up and not something more in addition which appears to be highly probable.
Just in case someone actually knows how to interpret the test results... The test was a ANA 12 Plus Profile.
Here are my out of tolerance numbers (There is a lot more data on the results).
Anti-Nuclear AB = Abnormal - Positive & Normal Range - Negative
ANA Titer = Abnormal - 1:40
ANA Pattern = Speckled
ANA Titer = Abnormal - 1:40
ANA Pattern = Nucleolar
Complement C3 = 206
In other news, I have fired my Rheumatologist only she doesn't know it yet. They called a month of so to let me know that she was unable to keep my last appointment and I just have not rescheduled it. I honestly do not have any plans to reschedule... I finally was able to obtain a copy of a fairly serious and expensive lab test that she had done almost a year ago. It is called an ANA panel if any of you are familiar with the blood test. She had told me that everything was fine on the results. She lied. Well when I finally got a copy I found out that it was anything but fine. I currently am trying to find a doctor that really can interpret the results and what they mean. However, even a layperson knows that it isn't good when things read positive and are listed in the abnormal range. Based on my research I am trying very hard not to jump to any conclusions as there are a list of things that are possible with the results I have. Lets all just hope that it is the EDS showing up and not something more in addition which appears to be highly probable.
Just in case someone actually knows how to interpret the test results... The test was a ANA 12 Plus Profile.
Here are my out of tolerance numbers (There is a lot more data on the results).
Anti-Nuclear AB = Abnormal - Positive & Normal Range - Negative
ANA Titer = Abnormal - 1:40
ANA Pattern = Speckled
ANA Titer = Abnormal - 1:40
ANA Pattern = Nucleolar
Complement C3 = 206
Friday, September 17, 2010
The Vet Visit Adventure
I took the dogs to the vet yesterday. Wow, I had forgotten how difficult taking them in to see the vet could be!! I definitely could not have handled both dogs without help. I was glad to have my FIL along for a helping hand since DH had to work.
Both dogs got good reports overall, thankfully!! Rebel was due for 2 shots and a nail clipping plus his well dog check. The good news with him is that the little growth on his lower eye lid isn't especially dangerous and is typically totally benign so we didn't even need to biopsy it! We will just need to watch to make sure it does not grow or begin to bother him. Also, Rebel had lost about 16 lbs since his last visit down to 80 pounds and almost a healthy weight for him. Suzy had also lost a little weight which was good for her as well. I guess all that cooking for them has helped with their weight as well as the seizure prevention. Suzy was just due for 1 shot and a nail clipping plus her well dog check. The good news with her is that her occasional limp should not require surgery unless it progresses to an all the time thing. The vet thinks that it is a possible ACL injury which isn't great news though.
Because Suzy was badly abused before we adopted her she went first with Rebel there to help keep her calm. I muzzled her for the nail clipping more for her safety than anything. She was so good for it and didn't even paw at the muzzle! I was so proud of her!
I had my FIL take Suzy out while the vet took care of Rebel as she is very protective of him. Rebel was a little baby about the nail clipping as expected and whined and acted like he was being killed when he really wasn't at all. So it was a good decision to have removed Suzy from the equation.
Both dogs got good reports overall, thankfully!! Rebel was due for 2 shots and a nail clipping plus his well dog check. The good news with him is that the little growth on his lower eye lid isn't especially dangerous and is typically totally benign so we didn't even need to biopsy it! We will just need to watch to make sure it does not grow or begin to bother him. Also, Rebel had lost about 16 lbs since his last visit down to 80 pounds and almost a healthy weight for him. Suzy had also lost a little weight which was good for her as well. I guess all that cooking for them has helped with their weight as well as the seizure prevention. Suzy was just due for 1 shot and a nail clipping plus her well dog check. The good news with her is that her occasional limp should not require surgery unless it progresses to an all the time thing. The vet thinks that it is a possible ACL injury which isn't great news though.
Because Suzy was badly abused before we adopted her she went first with Rebel there to help keep her calm. I muzzled her for the nail clipping more for her safety than anything. She was so good for it and didn't even paw at the muzzle! I was so proud of her!
I had my FIL take Suzy out while the vet took care of Rebel as she is very protective of him. Rebel was a little baby about the nail clipping as expected and whined and acted like he was being killed when he really wasn't at all. So it was a good decision to have removed Suzy from the equation.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Turned on the Heat :(
Winter has come at least overnights here in Wyoming. We have had to turn on the heat already! The turning on of the heat is a sad event for me. It means that Summer truly is gone and I must face the reality of snow soon to fly. The season of mourning has begun...
Friday, September 10, 2010
Frost!
It has frost here more than a few times now. My poor little garden is definitely worse for wear. However, everything isn't dead just yet! We are still enjoying the lettuce at least :)
Enjoy your weekend everyone!!
Enjoy your weekend everyone!!
Saturday, September 4, 2010
The Anti-Haircut
I went in to town with DH on Friday. We had plans to go on a date after he got off of work. The date was fun :) We ate a late lunch, caught a 4 pm movie (The Expendables), and walked around the farmers market in Laramie. It was so nice to get to spend some quality time just he and I!
Now you are probably wondering about the title - The Anti-Haircut... Well while I was in town and waiting for DH to get off of work I planned on running a few errands which included going to get my hair cut. I had a VERY SHORT hair style last winter and had finally grown it out enough to go get a different style. I did indeed go and get a haircut. However, you can barely can tell and it still has no style!! I went to Great Clips which in hindsight that was my error. I asked for a simple chin length forward bob with an undercut and emphasized that I wanted to be able to pull the front up still. What I walked out with was a slight trim and some light layers... Ugh! Nowhere near what I asked for :( I even let her have a second shot at attempting what I asked for. I didn't ask for another re-cut for fear of her chopping out a chunk of hair or something. So now I have to deal with this haircut until I get back into town again. Hopefully that will be Thursday... Looking on the positive side is that DH said that due to my hair trauma I can get a little something more than just a cut. Thinking that some highlights or color are in my future :) Let's just hope that my normal stylist at Smart Style can fix this mess and still give me what I want!
Now you are probably wondering about the title - The Anti-Haircut... Well while I was in town and waiting for DH to get off of work I planned on running a few errands which included going to get my hair cut. I had a VERY SHORT hair style last winter and had finally grown it out enough to go get a different style. I did indeed go and get a haircut. However, you can barely can tell and it still has no style!! I went to Great Clips which in hindsight that was my error. I asked for a simple chin length forward bob with an undercut and emphasized that I wanted to be able to pull the front up still. What I walked out with was a slight trim and some light layers... Ugh! Nowhere near what I asked for :( I even let her have a second shot at attempting what I asked for. I didn't ask for another re-cut for fear of her chopping out a chunk of hair or something. So now I have to deal with this haircut until I get back into town again. Hopefully that will be Thursday... Looking on the positive side is that DH said that due to my hair trauma I can get a little something more than just a cut. Thinking that some highlights or color are in my future :) Let's just hope that my normal stylist at Smart Style can fix this mess and still give me what I want!
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Monday, August 23, 2010
My Little Garden Plots
I thought that I would show off a few pictures of my two little garden plots. I love that I was indeed able to grow things with my own two hands!
Friday, August 20, 2010
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Those Darn Deer!
Well they did it! They jumped the fence and ate my garden!! Thankfully not the entire garden. However, they did eat most of the pea and green bean plants. They also chomped on a good portion of the swiss chard too. Ugh it is so frustrating!! All that time planting, watering, and waiting for it to grow... Only for the deer and antelope to dine on the fruits of my labor. Hopefully the deer netting that we layered on top of the fence works to keep them out. If it doesn't I believe we will have a deer or antelope stuck in the netting! The frustrating part is that the nights have already begun to turn cold so my garden doesn't have long to go. Why oh why did you silly animals find my garden only now!! I guess on the upside they did eat the peas and green beans and not some of the other plants. I highly doubt that they would have produced anything anyhow!
Saturday, August 14, 2010
A New Look!
Since I was just blogging about how it was time for a new beginning in other aspects of my life. I decided that it probably was time for a new beginning of sorts for the blog too. So, I updated the look of the blog. I would love to hear what you have to say about it! Please let me know what you like and what you don't. I also would love to hear your suggestions!
Monday, August 9, 2010
A New Beginning?
Last month and the beginning of this month have been so insanely busy and crazy. I am hoping that now that the visitors have left that things can slow down a little and I can find a sense of normalcy. The next few days will be spent slowly and leisurely putting the house back in order among other things. I don't want to push myself too hard as I know I really just need to try to let my body rest and recoup a little.
Our house is also going back on a healthy eating plan. No more junk like has been floating around for the last month or so. It has to happen for the simple fact that I feel better when we eat that way. So, wish us luck as we begin this journey again...
Our house is also going back on a healthy eating plan. No more junk like has been floating around for the last month or so. It has to happen for the simple fact that I feel better when we eat that way. So, wish us luck as we begin this journey again...
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Long July
July was a long month... Oh I had a lot of fun! But over a month is a long time to have family visiting. My parents are here for a few more day still too. We went to Denver to the antique shops and to Deadwood to meet up with my cousin and her family. For the most part though we have just been at my house, 60 miles from anywhere.
My garden is growing! However, I don't know how much I am going to get to pick before the snow and cold begins again. I have a few strawberry blossoms that are promising to produce a few berries. I definitely will get some lettuces and spinach. I hope to get some radishes but am not holding out as much hope for the carrots and beets. There will be arugula and maybe swiss chard too. The green beans, snap peas and cucumbers are all trying to grow but so far no blossoms. The cilantro is doing the best out of the herbs. The parsley and basil didn't even come up though. The dill is growing ever so slowly along with the bunching onions too. Seeing how this was my first Wyoming garden I definitely have learned a few things. Starting seeds indoors early for a lot of items is going to be necessary. I also need to plant earlier!! It has been fun to have a garden again though even if it is only a small one in my front "flower" beds!
My garden is growing! However, I don't know how much I am going to get to pick before the snow and cold begins again. I have a few strawberry blossoms that are promising to produce a few berries. I definitely will get some lettuces and spinach. I hope to get some radishes but am not holding out as much hope for the carrots and beets. There will be arugula and maybe swiss chard too. The green beans, snap peas and cucumbers are all trying to grow but so far no blossoms. The cilantro is doing the best out of the herbs. The parsley and basil didn't even come up though. The dill is growing ever so slowly along with the bunching onions too. Seeing how this was my first Wyoming garden I definitely have learned a few things. Starting seeds indoors early for a lot of items is going to be necessary. I also need to plant earlier!! It has been fun to have a garden again though even if it is only a small one in my front "flower" beds!
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Baking for a Living?
I am baking from home for money. LOL. Just 2 coffee cakes a month... Hey a girl has to do what a girl has to do to earn some money in these economic times!! I figure every dollar counts. After all the coffee cakes are from a multiple blue ribbon winning recipe.
Still doing the freelancing when I get hired too. I still can't get over how cheaply some people work though. I can't work for $2.50 an hour so how do they??
My parents are still here visiting so it is nice not to have too much freelance work right now in some ways. We are heading to Denver on Friday and Saturday to hit the big antique show and go to the antique shops. Later this month we are trying to meet up in Deadwood with my cousin and her family that are stationed in Minot. I guess that all means that the rest of my month is going to be busy busy!
Still doing the freelancing when I get hired too. I still can't get over how cheaply some people work though. I can't work for $2.50 an hour so how do they??
My parents are still here visiting so it is nice not to have too much freelance work right now in some ways. We are heading to Denver on Friday and Saturday to hit the big antique show and go to the antique shops. Later this month we are trying to meet up in Deadwood with my cousin and her family that are stationed in Minot. I guess that all means that the rest of my month is going to be busy busy!
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Oh the Agony!
Well the 4th of July weekend didn't go exactly as planned around the Huskies to Husbands household. We had a little visitor that was not invited and very unwelcome come to stay. The stomach flu hit us hard on Saturday afternoon while out at the BBQ at our friends ranch. Ugh, me and the bushes became fast friends sadly. Kevin started in a few hours later. Needless to say it was a long long long night. Flat Coca-Cola and the restroom became our new best friends. Thank goodness we have two bathrooms! Sunday morning led to us still not feeling well with my temperature topping out at about 102. However, being sick didn't mean we didn't have to work. The fireman's 4th of July celebration required our attention. We made it through Sunday, I still don't quite know how. The BBQ and fireworks were a huge success. Monday we attempted to recuperate from our illness more, but it seems like it is a long hard road back to feeling well still. I am sure that all the extra exertion didn't help with the healing process though.
Friday, July 2, 2010
Happy 4th of July!!
Another busy weekend of hopefully fun is upon us!!
Saturday we are going out to a friends ranch for an early 4th BBQ. Then on Sunday we have the Volunteer Fire Departments 4th of July Celebration! We are having a big BBQ, carnival games, a slip and slide for the kids, a cake auction, a 50/50 raffle and more. The night will end with a HUGE fireworks display! It should be a lot of fun, but it will be a lot of work too - LOL.
My parents got in for a visit on Wednesday evening from Florida. They brought me tons of fresh fruit and veggies too! I put up a bunch of peppers and onions in the freezer already. We have pineapple and watermelon in the dehydrator right now. I have boxes and boxes of fresh tomatoes!! I plan on putting some of them up in the freezer too as they hit the peak of ripeness. Oh and fresh cantaloupe and watermelons are just begging to be eaten. I love it!!
Have a happy, safe, and fun 4th of July everyone!!
Saturday we are going out to a friends ranch for an early 4th BBQ. Then on Sunday we have the Volunteer Fire Departments 4th of July Celebration! We are having a big BBQ, carnival games, a slip and slide for the kids, a cake auction, a 50/50 raffle and more. The night will end with a HUGE fireworks display! It should be a lot of fun, but it will be a lot of work too - LOL.
My parents got in for a visit on Wednesday evening from Florida. They brought me tons of fresh fruit and veggies too! I put up a bunch of peppers and onions in the freezer already. We have pineapple and watermelon in the dehydrator right now. I have boxes and boxes of fresh tomatoes!! I plan on putting some of them up in the freezer too as they hit the peak of ripeness. Oh and fresh cantaloupe and watermelons are just begging to be eaten. I love it!!
Have a happy, safe, and fun 4th of July everyone!!
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Bow Days!
This weekend we were part of Bow Days!!
Bow Days are the annual celebration of the founding of our town. Medicine Bow is now 101 years old! On Friday we had a community BBQ; Saturday was packed with a parade, games, and a street dance; and Saturday and Sunday was the Fast Draw Competition. Needless to say we have been busy!
On Thursday I did all of the shopping for the BBQ. Then on Friday I baked fresh rhubarb coffee cakes, got everything prepped and set up for the BBQ, and helped with the event itself. Saturday early in the morning we helped get the games set up. Then my husband and I were both in the parade. He rode as Mayor and I drove a firetruck! After that we whipped tons of whipped cream and I manned the booth to cream the Mayor! A good old fashioned pie throw to raise money for the volunteer fire departments 4th of July fireworks. We cleaned up after the games and pies then we went home and cleaned up to head to the street dance. A local live band played and a good time was had by all. Sunday we went off to church then headed over to watch some of the Fast Draw. Now we are trying to recuperate some before the madness begins again next week...
Bow Days are the annual celebration of the founding of our town. Medicine Bow is now 101 years old! On Friday we had a community BBQ; Saturday was packed with a parade, games, and a street dance; and Saturday and Sunday was the Fast Draw Competition. Needless to say we have been busy!
On Thursday I did all of the shopping for the BBQ. Then on Friday I baked fresh rhubarb coffee cakes, got everything prepped and set up for the BBQ, and helped with the event itself. Saturday early in the morning we helped get the games set up. Then my husband and I were both in the parade. He rode as Mayor and I drove a firetruck! After that we whipped tons of whipped cream and I manned the booth to cream the Mayor! A good old fashioned pie throw to raise money for the volunteer fire departments 4th of July fireworks. We cleaned up after the games and pies then we went home and cleaned up to head to the street dance. A local live band played and a good time was had by all. Sunday we went off to church then headed over to watch some of the Fast Draw. Now we are trying to recuperate some before the madness begins again next week...
Saturday, June 19, 2010
The Flood is Receding!!
The water is going down! I can't believe how happy I am about that simple fact. Today we are going to attempt to help our friends retrieve the items that we couldn't get out when we had to emergency evacuate their house. At the highest point the water reached almost up to the windows on their trailer which means that the water was about 4 feet high out there for quite a while. They are going to rent another place here in town, but this time it is going to be one in town and not out on a ranch. I am really glad that they were able to find another place here and that they will not be moving.
Simple blessings in life seem so much more vivid in times of difficulty.
Simple blessings in life seem so much more vivid in times of difficulty.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Flooding
Sorry that I have been missing in action again...
We are having major flooding here in our small town. I have been out trying to help in any way I can with things since early Wednesday morning . Keep us in your thoughts and prayers as the water keeps rising here and we still have not reached our projected high water even yet.
We are having major flooding here in our small town. I have been out trying to help in any way I can with things since early Wednesday morning . Keep us in your thoughts and prayers as the water keeps rising here and we still have not reached our projected high water even yet.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Back to the Grindstone
Now that my EMT class is over for the most part. (I still need to schedule and take the NREMT test sometime in the near future.) It is time to get back to looking for freelance work and more permanent work if possible. I started looking for freelance work again last week. Wow, the amount of work available as a freelance writer sure has decreased in the last few months while I was out of the market. The price per article seems to have really went down too. I know that we are in an economic slump and all but sheesh people still deserve to be paid a somewhat reasonable fee for quality work! I have already gotten a few jobs though and have bids out on many many more... So, I am hoping for the best. It would be wonderful if I could find enough work to be able to just stay home and do it at my own pace. I really think that would be the best possible situation due to my health issues and so that I can still do my EMT work.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
It is OVER!!
I can not tell you how happy I am to be able to say that!! EMT class is over!! No more driving, and no more stressing about the tests. I passed without problem and am now just waiting for my certification card to come in. Oh well I guess I have a little more driving and stressing to do as I am going to take the National Registry testing. Not sure when that will be though...
Have a wonderful weekend everyone!! I hope that your Saturday didn't involve snow like mine did!!
Have a wonderful weekend everyone!! I hope that your Saturday didn't involve snow like mine did!!
Friday, May 7, 2010
May Already?
I can not believe that 1/3 of 2010 has already come and gone... Where has the time gone??
EMT class finishes up at the end of the month. It all seems to still be going OK so hopefully no problems with me getting my card. I start my mandatory ER time next week. I will be doing two 12 hour shifts. I am really hoping that they go smoothly!
Still not feeling great. Actually at this point I think I would settle for just not feeling downright crappy. I have been running an unexplained low grade fever for over a week. I finish my latest round of antibiotics this evening though so hopefully getting off of them helps improve how I feel. Sad isn't it that everything that "cures" something also makes me more miserable in some other way. Hopefully this latest round of antibiotics did indeed kick that respiratory junk out, but I am not holding my breath that it did. The more I study up on Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome the more I realize just how many of my health problems are related. Connective tissue is everywhere from holding together joints, to skin, to nerves, to all of the organs especially lungs and digestive tract. Realizing that because my connective tissue is defective makes my body defective doesn't make the pain any less but it does help me to understand that this isn't something that I can control which opens a whole new can of worms to deal with emotionally of course.
I have an appointment to see the Rheumatologist on the 14th. I am debating whether or not to cancel. In a way I want to go and to just spill everything out to her, but in another way I don't want to go because she doesn't listen to me or really do anything that helps. She shoots down every idea that I have found based on my research and just throws another medication at me that makes me worse. I need for her to realize just how bad things are getting...
In other news we had snow again last evening... I don't think that Spring is coming to Wyoming... I am beginning to wonder if Summer is ever going to come either!
EMT class finishes up at the end of the month. It all seems to still be going OK so hopefully no problems with me getting my card. I start my mandatory ER time next week. I will be doing two 12 hour shifts. I am really hoping that they go smoothly!
Still not feeling great. Actually at this point I think I would settle for just not feeling downright crappy. I have been running an unexplained low grade fever for over a week. I finish my latest round of antibiotics this evening though so hopefully getting off of them helps improve how I feel. Sad isn't it that everything that "cures" something also makes me more miserable in some other way. Hopefully this latest round of antibiotics did indeed kick that respiratory junk out, but I am not holding my breath that it did. The more I study up on Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome the more I realize just how many of my health problems are related. Connective tissue is everywhere from holding together joints, to skin, to nerves, to all of the organs especially lungs and digestive tract. Realizing that because my connective tissue is defective makes my body defective doesn't make the pain any less but it does help me to understand that this isn't something that I can control which opens a whole new can of worms to deal with emotionally of course.
I have an appointment to see the Rheumatologist on the 14th. I am debating whether or not to cancel. In a way I want to go and to just spill everything out to her, but in another way I don't want to go because she doesn't listen to me or really do anything that helps. She shoots down every idea that I have found based on my research and just throws another medication at me that makes me worse. I need for her to realize just how bad things are getting...
In other news we had snow again last evening... I don't think that Spring is coming to Wyoming... I am beginning to wonder if Summer is ever going to come either!
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Everything is So Draining
No matter how much sleep and rest that I get lately it just doesn't seem to be enough. I am just tired, no more than tired maybe weary to the bone captures it better. Just the simplest tasks of life exhaust me anymore. My EMT class is wearing me down - I am so ready for it to be the end of May and class to be done. The class itself isn't bad at all it is all the driving to and from class that makes it seem like so much more. Class is 60 miles each way from here 2 nights a week plus some Saturdays. I am keeping up with my work and studies for it though so I am hopeful that I will do well.
I can't seem to figure out what to do to help myself with the health issues. I just can't seem to get them under control. I want to feel better and be able to do and enjoy life. I just can't seem to quite get there.
I can't seem to figure out what to do to help myself with the health issues. I just can't seem to get them under control. I want to feel better and be able to do and enjoy life. I just can't seem to quite get there.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Back on the Right Track?
I think that I am finally starting on the road to recovery from my respiratory junk. Hopefully saying that doesn't jinx me and I back slide!
I ended up being taken in to the emergency room via ambulance from my EMT class a few weeks ago. I was in really bad shape with my breathing and my body just couldn't take it anymore. I thankfully didn't get admitted but I was on a lot of medications and antibiotics which knocked me out. I lost almost a whole week to just staying in bed.
I missed my 2nd EMT test but was able to make it up and was able to do well on it. I am so glad that the class is now over 1/2 way done!
I still am tired a lot of the time and would say that I am at about 66% of where I was before my respiratory issues. I am scheduled to go see the Rheumatologist again on the 9th but I think that I will postpone it as I haven't tried the new medication she gave me yet because of my other illness and medications.
The weatherman says that we are going to get more snow tonight and tomorrow... Oh Spring where are you!!??
I ended up being taken in to the emergency room via ambulance from my EMT class a few weeks ago. I was in really bad shape with my breathing and my body just couldn't take it anymore. I thankfully didn't get admitted but I was on a lot of medications and antibiotics which knocked me out. I lost almost a whole week to just staying in bed.
I missed my 2nd EMT test but was able to make it up and was able to do well on it. I am so glad that the class is now over 1/2 way done!
I still am tired a lot of the time and would say that I am at about 66% of where I was before my respiratory issues. I am scheduled to go see the Rheumatologist again on the 9th but I think that I will postpone it as I haven't tried the new medication she gave me yet because of my other illness and medications.
The weatherman says that we are going to get more snow tonight and tomorrow... Oh Spring where are you!!??
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Stumbling Along
This respiratory infection was taking me down in a bad way. I was feeling horrible and had a wonderful (not) "barking" cough that wasn't allowing me to breathe fully or sleep. I went to the clinic again so they changed my antibiotic and gave me not one but two prescription cough medications. One of them is this super concentrated liquid narcotic cough syrup - Let me tell you that stuff will knock you for a loop! I take it and then stay in bed as much as possible because it makes me stumble around more than usual. However, it really does help with the "barking" cough. The other cough medication is non-narcotic and looks like tiny yellow BB's - Not completely sure what is in it because it makes me a little loopy too. Actually I have learned that if you just take one or the other of the cough medications that they don't work as well as if taken together which means I get a double loop whammy done on me just to get the coughing quieted.
All of this couldn't have happened at a worse time. I have my second test for my EMT class on Wednesday. I have been trying to read and go over things in preparation, but I can't remember what I read or typed for that matter 2 seconds ago. (Writing this blog post has been interesting too to say the least. So, apologies in advance for it not making a whole lot of sense and grammatical errors.) So, I am trying to take it easy this weekend and take all of my medications and rest. Hopefully this works and come Monday I feel a lot better and can lay off the cough medications and begin to study in earnest.
All of this couldn't have happened at a worse time. I have my second test for my EMT class on Wednesday. I have been trying to read and go over things in preparation, but I can't remember what I read or typed for that matter 2 seconds ago. (Writing this blog post has been interesting too to say the least. So, apologies in advance for it not making a whole lot of sense and grammatical errors.) So, I am trying to take it easy this weekend and take all of my medications and rest. Hopefully this works and come Monday I feel a lot better and can lay off the cough medications and begin to study in earnest.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Immunization Update
Could it be true... There actually are health care providers out there that do care? Did I find the holy grail of health care??
My primary care "doctor" well he isn't a doctor but a physicians assistant decided that since I have a history of reactions to immunizations that he would write me a prescription stating that I shouldn't undergo any further immunizations at this time. Now to wait and see if the hospital and ambulance board accept this... Always just a little more wait and see isn't there!?
I am so happy that he thought of this because I was really dreading more immunizations. I hate the reactions and to be honest the reactions just keep getting worse every time I had to get one. He thinks it is because I have an autoimmune disorder that the immunizations cause me such problems.
Oh and in other news I am back on antibiotics and nebulizer treatments. :( It seems I picked up a sinus infection and that it decided that attacking my sinuses wasn't enough and headed for my lungs leading to bronchitis. Oh the joy of it all.
EMT class seems to be going well though. We have our second test next week Wednesday already. Hopefully I don't give myself quite as bad of a panic attack this time! LOL
My primary care "doctor" well he isn't a doctor but a physicians assistant decided that since I have a history of reactions to immunizations that he would write me a prescription stating that I shouldn't undergo any further immunizations at this time. Now to wait and see if the hospital and ambulance board accept this... Always just a little more wait and see isn't there!?
I am so happy that he thought of this because I was really dreading more immunizations. I hate the reactions and to be honest the reactions just keep getting worse every time I had to get one. He thinks it is because I have an autoimmune disorder that the immunizations cause me such problems.
Oh and in other news I am back on antibiotics and nebulizer treatments. :( It seems I picked up a sinus infection and that it decided that attacking my sinuses wasn't enough and headed for my lungs leading to bronchitis. Oh the joy of it all.
EMT class seems to be going well though. We have our second test next week Wednesday already. Hopefully I don't give myself quite as bad of a panic attack this time! LOL
Monday, March 1, 2010
Dislocations?
I live my daily life with my joints dislocating quite often. I have to adjust how I do things in order to help minimize the amount of dislocations I suffer. I go snap, crackle and pop quite often! My joint noises shock people quite a bit but to me they are just part of life. Does it hurt when it happens? YES!! But I don't have a choice other than to just try to put it back and keep going.
One of the most difficult things about having Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS) isn't the dislocations. The most difficult part is the constant incredible pain and constant fatigue. The second most difficult thing is the lack of understanding other people have towards me and my EDS. People look at me and say that there isn't anything wrong with me because they can't see it. Well, yes for the most part EDS is an invisible disease. But just because you can't see it doesn't mean that it isn't there.
I wish that people weren't so cruel and lacking in understanding and compassion.
One of the most difficult things about having Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS) isn't the dislocations. The most difficult part is the constant incredible pain and constant fatigue. The second most difficult thing is the lack of understanding other people have towards me and my EDS. People look at me and say that there isn't anything wrong with me because they can't see it. Well, yes for the most part EDS is an invisible disease. But just because you can't see it doesn't mean that it isn't there.
I wish that people weren't so cruel and lacking in understanding and compassion.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Immunization Records
You know that little card where they keep track of what shots you have had and when... I know you know what I am talking about here. Well don't lose that little card!! Especially if you have lived in more than one state. I called the State of Florida and guess what... They think that they must have shredded my records. They definitely can not find my records and are assuming that they were shredded. Nice. This means I get to pay to have a titer done for the MMR and if the titer isn't high enough get another booster. I know that I have had this booster because I got in in order to go to college. It was a requirement!
Can I have a day where I don't get bad news please?
Can I have a day where I don't get bad news please?
Thursday, February 18, 2010
2010 Olympics
Do they inspire you?
Do they make you wish that you were more athletic?
Do they nauseate you?
How do you feel about the Olympics?
I watch when I can. I tuned in to some Curling the other day and was pleasantly shocked. I watched the Snowboard Cross and wondered if they all had death wishes. I missed the Double McTwistey whatever thing that everyone is talking about.
I think overall that I am happy that the Winter Olympics only comes once every 4 years.
Oh and more snow fell in my corner of the world today.
Do they make you wish that you were more athletic?
Do they nauseate you?
How do you feel about the Olympics?
I watch when I can. I tuned in to some Curling the other day and was pleasantly shocked. I watched the Snowboard Cross and wondered if they all had death wishes. I missed the Double McTwistey whatever thing that everyone is talking about.
I think overall that I am happy that the Winter Olympics only comes once every 4 years.
Oh and more snow fell in my corner of the world today.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
More Frustration
I went to the rheumatologist again on Friday. Huge frustration...
She said no to trying Physical Therapy. I wanted to try it to see if they could help me strengthen my muscles and joints as well as helping me learn what typical range of motion is so that I stop hurting myself so much.
She gave me another new medication to try. I don't have a lot of hope for it as every medication she has given me has caused more problems.
I guess it might be time to look for another doctor and get a fresh perspective. The thing that will be the worst about that is that I will have to go out of state.
Frustrated and not entirely sure what to do...
She said no to trying Physical Therapy. I wanted to try it to see if they could help me strengthen my muscles and joints as well as helping me learn what typical range of motion is so that I stop hurting myself so much.
She gave me another new medication to try. I don't have a lot of hope for it as every medication she has given me has caused more problems.
I guess it might be time to look for another doctor and get a fresh perspective. The thing that will be the worst about that is that I will have to go out of state.
Frustrated and not entirely sure what to do...
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Super Bowl Sunday
So is it OK to admit that I watch the Super Bowl mainly for the commercials? I mean do I lose my Super Bowl privileges by admitting to this fact? I don't think I am alone in this fact by any means. Even my football loving husband doesn't want to miss the Super Bowl commercials.
I also almost without fail like to cheer for the underdog. I like to see the BIG upset!
And please someone please tell me what was up with the entertainment portion of this Super Bowl? The opening singer is someone that I typically like but what was up with Queen Latifah's version of America the Beautiful. Wasn't the original beautiful song good enough for her? And lets not even get me started on the halftime show starring The Who. Wow what a let down... Although I did think that Carrie Underwood did an OK job of singing the national anthem. Lately though for at least the last maybe half dozen years the entertainment portion has been seriously lacking from the Super Bowl in my opinion. Then again I guess it isn't supposed to be about the entertainment... Maybe it is all about the commercials? Or is it supposed to be all about the football?
I also almost without fail like to cheer for the underdog. I like to see the BIG upset!
And please someone please tell me what was up with the entertainment portion of this Super Bowl? The opening singer is someone that I typically like but what was up with Queen Latifah's version of America the Beautiful. Wasn't the original beautiful song good enough for her? And lets not even get me started on the halftime show starring The Who. Wow what a let down... Although I did think that Carrie Underwood did an OK job of singing the national anthem. Lately though for at least the last maybe half dozen years the entertainment portion has been seriously lacking from the Super Bowl in my opinion. Then again I guess it isn't supposed to be about the entertainment... Maybe it is all about the commercials? Or is it supposed to be all about the football?
Friday, February 5, 2010
Fingers Crossed!
We got a new to us washer and dryer set yesterday. It looks like brand new and we got it for a really great price too! Now everyone cross your fingers that Kevin can get the old set taken out and the new set hooked up without too much drama! I already am tired of the "new" set sitting in the middle of the living room! Plus I really need to start tackling that mountain of laundry that has begun to pile up...
Monday, February 1, 2010
Appliance Death... RIP Washer!
Well it finally happened... My ancient washing machine finally gave up the ghost this morning. Approximate age 25 years old at best guess considering that it came with the house when we bought it. Of course it died full of water, soap and clothes just to add insult to injury.
Now the hunt begins looking for a replacement. Ugh!! When it rains it pours it seems...
Now the hunt begins looking for a replacement. Ugh!! When it rains it pours it seems...
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Chef Chris
Chef Chris from Disneyland gave me a call the other day. He wanted to find out more about what happened food wise while we were there.
He was very nice and seemed to be very upset over the treatment that we received due to my food allergies.
I am supposed to call him when we go back and he will personally insure that things go a little better. I hope that is true and that I can actually eat something :)
Now to get the tickets straightened out and figure out when we all can go again after my BIL gets back from deployment.
He was very nice and seemed to be very upset over the treatment that we received due to my food allergies.
I am supposed to call him when we go back and he will personally insure that things go a little better. I hope that is true and that I can actually eat something :)
Now to get the tickets straightened out and figure out when we all can go again after my BIL gets back from deployment.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Disneyland
OK so here is the Disneyland & 35th Birthday & BIL Pre-Deployment trip to Southern California rundown.
The flight from Denver to San Diego was BUMPY but not too bad. We got in about 40 minutes early even!
The drive from the airport was fun. Considering it was 10 pm and my 3 year old niece was wide awake and ready to see us! It was awesome meeting our new nephew for the first time too. He is getting so big already!!
We got back to the house and tried to get everyone settled in.
Friday my brother in law got home in the wee hours of the morning from the field and then we took a little tour of the base and did some grocery shopping to get some safe food for me. We also went to In-N-Out Burger and I was able to try that for the first time. Minus the bun and cheese of course. Tasty stuff.
Saturday was up early and off to Disneyland! Oh and it was my birthday. I had spoken to Disney Dining several times to verify that I could find things to eat at the park and was told that it wouldn't be a problem. My sister in law also called just to make sure she was told the same thing which she was. We stopped at City Hall once we got into the park and got a Gluten Free list. They did not have the Dairy Free list I was told that they would have. They said it would be fine though and to just talk to someone at the restaurants and they would accommodate me. I have to say that the day at Disneyland went well up to the point that I tried to eat. It all went South with that event. We tried not to let it ruin the day though. My niece was just amazing. She was so excited to see all the Princesses and characters. We rode some rides. Not as many as I had hoped to but I did get to ride the Matterhorn Bobsleds, Indiana Jones, and Finding Nemo which I hadn't rode before. We also got to ride It's A Small World all decorated for the holidays which was very neat. All in all it was fun yet oh so frustrating with the food. I do want to go on the record saying that Disneyland is not in my opinion anywhere near as awesome as Walt Disney World.
Sunday we just relaxed and hung out.
Monday we flew out and my brother in law went back out into the field. Again it was a BUMPY flight. It was a long day with flights and driving home.
Tuesday I spoke with Disneyland again and they are trying to make things right with how things went on Saturday. I have to say that I was just shocked at how the food thing went down. It doesn't happen like that at Walt Disney World I can tell you. For supposedly being the Most Magical Place on Earth and Where Dreams Come True it should be a little easier and people should at least pretend to care a little more. I need to get the ticket stubs together and sent in and they said that they will issue us a letter allowing us admission to the park again. Hopefully they come through on that and things go smoother next time.
It was a whirlwind weekend but I think that we all enjoyed spending time together as a family. Now to try and get rested back up and caught up. I have tons of reading to get done before class tomorrow night and I am still incredibly sore and worn out from the trip. I am very happy that I was able to do things and not slow us all down too much. I just hope that tomorrow is better than today was pain wise.
The flight from Denver to San Diego was BUMPY but not too bad. We got in about 40 minutes early even!
The drive from the airport was fun. Considering it was 10 pm and my 3 year old niece was wide awake and ready to see us! It was awesome meeting our new nephew for the first time too. He is getting so big already!!
We got back to the house and tried to get everyone settled in.
Friday my brother in law got home in the wee hours of the morning from the field and then we took a little tour of the base and did some grocery shopping to get some safe food for me. We also went to In-N-Out Burger and I was able to try that for the first time. Minus the bun and cheese of course. Tasty stuff.
Saturday was up early and off to Disneyland! Oh and it was my birthday. I had spoken to Disney Dining several times to verify that I could find things to eat at the park and was told that it wouldn't be a problem. My sister in law also called just to make sure she was told the same thing which she was. We stopped at City Hall once we got into the park and got a Gluten Free list. They did not have the Dairy Free list I was told that they would have. They said it would be fine though and to just talk to someone at the restaurants and they would accommodate me. I have to say that the day at Disneyland went well up to the point that I tried to eat. It all went South with that event. We tried not to let it ruin the day though. My niece was just amazing. She was so excited to see all the Princesses and characters. We rode some rides. Not as many as I had hoped to but I did get to ride the Matterhorn Bobsleds, Indiana Jones, and Finding Nemo which I hadn't rode before. We also got to ride It's A Small World all decorated for the holidays which was very neat. All in all it was fun yet oh so frustrating with the food. I do want to go on the record saying that Disneyland is not in my opinion anywhere near as awesome as Walt Disney World.
Sunday we just relaxed and hung out.
Monday we flew out and my brother in law went back out into the field. Again it was a BUMPY flight. It was a long day with flights and driving home.
Tuesday I spoke with Disneyland again and they are trying to make things right with how things went on Saturday. I have to say that I was just shocked at how the food thing went down. It doesn't happen like that at Walt Disney World I can tell you. For supposedly being the Most Magical Place on Earth and Where Dreams Come True it should be a little easier and people should at least pretend to care a little more. I need to get the ticket stubs together and sent in and they said that they will issue us a letter allowing us admission to the park again. Hopefully they come through on that and things go smoother next time.
It was a whirlwind weekend but I think that we all enjoyed spending time together as a family. Now to try and get rested back up and caught up. I have tons of reading to get done before class tomorrow night and I am still incredibly sore and worn out from the trip. I am very happy that I was able to do things and not slow us all down too much. I just hope that tomorrow is better than today was pain wise.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Oh the Joys of Life
Last night was class one of EMT-Basic training. I hope that I do well with the class and that I don't regret signing away the next 4 to 5 months of my life. I have class for 3 hours on Mondays and Wednesdays, and 8 hour classes on a number of Saturdays. Oh and did I mention that I have a 1 hour commute to and from each class. Considering that class starts at 6:30 pm on the weeknights that is going to make for some really long long days!
I am excited about starting this, but at the same time I am nervous about it too!!
Tonight I am typing at you all from DIA (Denver International Airport). We are heading to California to see my BIL and his family before he gets shipped out again. I am going to see my beautiful niece who I love to play with and meet my new nephew for the first time. Also because this is my birthday weekend - the BIG 3-5 is coming on Saturday we are going to Disneyland. It will be my first time there... I hope that it lives up to my expectations considering that I am a Florida girl and practically lived at Disney World. I think that it might just because I will get to experience it with a 3 year old girl who is in LOVE with Disney Princesses!
Oh and just for the record the husband isn't all bad... He traipsed all over this airport concourse to find me some Tylenol and Advil. I haven't been feeling the greatest lately and didn't realize that I had depleted my supply before we left home. I really want to feel good this weekend so that I can just enjoy the time with my family and not be dead weight.
I am excited about starting this, but at the same time I am nervous about it too!!
Tonight I am typing at you all from DIA (Denver International Airport). We are heading to California to see my BIL and his family before he gets shipped out again. I am going to see my beautiful niece who I love to play with and meet my new nephew for the first time. Also because this is my birthday weekend - the BIG 3-5 is coming on Saturday we are going to Disneyland. It will be my first time there... I hope that it lives up to my expectations considering that I am a Florida girl and practically lived at Disney World. I think that it might just because I will get to experience it with a 3 year old girl who is in LOVE with Disney Princesses!
Oh and just for the record the husband isn't all bad... He traipsed all over this airport concourse to find me some Tylenol and Advil. I haven't been feeling the greatest lately and didn't realize that I had depleted my supply before we left home. I really want to feel good this weekend so that I can just enjoy the time with my family and not be dead weight.
Friday, January 8, 2010
Cold, Snow & Junk
It has been cold here lately. Not just sort of cold but below zero cold. It was 30 below zero without windchill the other night when I went to bed. Crazy cold! Before the Arctic temperatures settled in we had more snow which has drifted quite deep...
Ah the joys of Winter in Wyoming!
Since I am home almost all the time now I have noticed that I can clean and organize and clean and organize all day yet somehow when I get up the next morning there is a mess. Ugh!!! Men!!! It makes you want to stop cleaning!
Ah the joys of Winter in Wyoming!
Since I am home almost all the time now I have noticed that I can clean and organize and clean and organize all day yet somehow when I get up the next morning there is a mess. Ugh!!! Men!!! It makes you want to stop cleaning!
Monday, January 4, 2010
A New Year!
So I am a little late in posting HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! to you all. I haven't really been busy so I can't use that as an excuse. I guess I have just been absent minded.
I hope that 2010 brings joy for everyone!
I hope that 2010 brings joy for everyone!
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