I had intended to write about what I learned on my last follow up appointment. Then I found out something.
My college friend sent me a message asking if I had heard about our mutual college friend. Well you see the thing is, I've been friends with this mutual friend since the first day of 7th grade. My heart hit my stomach as I learn a few details. The thing you must know is that my friend and her husband have been trying to have a baby since they got married. After years, they finally succeeded (with doctor's help). In November (about a month ago), she gave birth to a beautiful baby boy. Yesterday morning, her husband was off to work. He hit a patch of black ice and his truck rolled. He's alive. He has no brain injury. However, the wreck gave him severe injuries and he is paralyzed from the waist down. Doctors say that with surgery there is only a 1 to 2 percent chance that he'll move again.
We all know what prayers can do. Please pray for this family. A new Mom, a newborn son and his father. Pray for all of us in North Carolina that can't be with them physically because they live far away. I miss my friend and wishes she were here at least 3 times a week. There isn't a week that goes by that I don't think, I wish she were here so I could tell her about ... I don't get to see her often, but when I do ... it's as if no time had passed at all. My stomach churns for what has happened to her husband. Pray for his healing, pray for her understanding and for their beautiful baby.
I would share names, but some of our friends do not know this has happened yet. I would hate for them to see this on a blog before hearing about it on the telephone. Also I did not get permission from my friend to post this prayer request though I know she will appreciate that I have done so.
Showing posts with label Prayers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Prayers. Show all posts
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Prayers
There are lots of things to be praying for other than my health. There are things that are in my heart that I don't feel comfortable saying out-loud to anyone other than my husband so if you would pray simply that everything that is on Jennifer's heart and mind would be eased soon that would be fabulous. If I can, I will share later on. However right now it's on a need to know basis and no one else really needs to know.
On the other front, I am going to see my LLMD today. I had a deep discussion with his assistant when I popped in on Wednesday regarding my headache. We talked about the controversy of Lyme Disease and how Lyme doctors are so rare. She told me that sometimes she gets phone calls and the person whispers, "Is he an LLMD?" Controversy runs rapid for a MD that treats Lyme Disease. Medical Boards are often on the hunt for MD's that treat this disease. My fear is that one of these days I will go and his office will be shut down. That's why I rarely say his name outloud. Sometimes even if someone flat out asks if I see him, I will say "I can not confirm or deny that I do." Makes me feel like he's in the witness protection program. I bet most if not all of his Lyme patients feel the same way I do.
In any case, my doctor is extremely smart. He treats and diagnoses based on symptoms and not necessarily test results. He has seen enough cases of enough diseases to know that certain symptoms generally mean certain diseases. If it's not dangerous to go ahead and treat for that disease, why not get started and get the labs at the same time instead of waiting for the labs to come back and then treat? In the entire time I've been there, he has NEVER been wrong about a single diagnosis. Most times the lab work backs him up. I say most because of the complexity about the tick borne illnesses tests.
In any case, I have been doing fairly well. My symptoms have been minimal. However at my husband's last appointment, he mentioned that I could have a potential backslide due to all the stress in my life (you have to admit a Grandfather's passing, an Uncle's heart surgery and an assessment at work all within about a month together are HUGE stresses). He suggested that in July he would wrote out a lower dose prescription for something I really need to be on. Though I kind of thought he was nuts in my head since I had overall been physically feeling great, I knew deep down that he would write it out anyways and at some point he'd have the test results to prove that I needed it.
So I decided to get the numbers on my side and that's when I requested my test results. As soon as I saw them, I knew. I have been his patient so long that I know which numbers he looks at and which numbers he's more concerned with. It was immediately alarming when I saw the number he really was interested in was off the normal range. It was also immediately alarming when the office called not once, but twice within a few hours of receiving the test results.
Ultimately ,even though it would have been helpful to have these results in the beginning of April, I think that God held off the results until I had mentally handled all the things I needed to handle before I could even begin to think about the possibility of a relapse. Now there are other things going on, but the assessment is over at work (one of the two anyways) and I am at ease with my Grandfather's passsing and my Uncle is at home after being at the hospital for 3 weeks or so.
While there are now other things on my plate, I am ready to tackle this head on. That's why when the LDN arrived I immediately began to take it. What I wasn't counting on was a reaction. May 28th I took my first dose. May 29th I felt nothing really. May 29th I took my 2nd dose. May 30th, I felt nothing really. I was woohooing all the way. I thought if it went well enough that I'd be able to increase my dose from 1mg to 2mg at my appointment in July. Well I took the third dose on May 30th. When I woke up on May 31st, I had a small headache. I thought it was kind of odd, but went about my day. The headache got worse. It never eased off.
I continued being a fighter and took the 4th dose on May 31st. On June 1st, I had the worst headache of my life. It rivaled the headaches I got pre-diagnosis. It was all I could do to function. I really just wanted to place an ice pack on my face and crawl into a hole where there was no light or sounds. I rivaled on though. June 1st, I took my 5th dose and by the next day my head was hurting even worse. As you know, I drove myself to the LLMD's. That's the day I discussed the controvery of Lyme with the assistant. Even though my head was killing me, I wanted to make sure she understood that I had been in a remission state and that this wasn't my normal.
So June 2nd, No LDN. June 3rd woke up with a less severe headache. No LDN on June 3rd either, woke up on June 4th feeling as well as I had before May 28th. She told me that unless I heard differently to not take the LDN until I had my appointment today. She then suggested that he will probably want me on IV's.
At 10 to 11, I will probably be getting news that I don't want. However, I will take what he has to say and swallow it with pride knowing that I did it once and I can do it again. Who knows, maybe just maybe, he may even say that it's just side effects. Haa. But my lab works proves that he knows what he's doing.
So prayers all around for my heart and mind and even those things that I haven't said outloud.
On the other front, I am going to see my LLMD today. I had a deep discussion with his assistant when I popped in on Wednesday regarding my headache. We talked about the controversy of Lyme Disease and how Lyme doctors are so rare. She told me that sometimes she gets phone calls and the person whispers, "Is he an LLMD?" Controversy runs rapid for a MD that treats Lyme Disease. Medical Boards are often on the hunt for MD's that treat this disease. My fear is that one of these days I will go and his office will be shut down. That's why I rarely say his name outloud. Sometimes even if someone flat out asks if I see him, I will say "I can not confirm or deny that I do." Makes me feel like he's in the witness protection program. I bet most if not all of his Lyme patients feel the same way I do.
In any case, my doctor is extremely smart. He treats and diagnoses based on symptoms and not necessarily test results. He has seen enough cases of enough diseases to know that certain symptoms generally mean certain diseases. If it's not dangerous to go ahead and treat for that disease, why not get started and get the labs at the same time instead of waiting for the labs to come back and then treat? In the entire time I've been there, he has NEVER been wrong about a single diagnosis. Most times the lab work backs him up. I say most because of the complexity about the tick borne illnesses tests.
In any case, I have been doing fairly well. My symptoms have been minimal. However at my husband's last appointment, he mentioned that I could have a potential backslide due to all the stress in my life (you have to admit a Grandfather's passing, an Uncle's heart surgery and an assessment at work all within about a month together are HUGE stresses). He suggested that in July he would wrote out a lower dose prescription for something I really need to be on. Though I kind of thought he was nuts in my head since I had overall been physically feeling great, I knew deep down that he would write it out anyways and at some point he'd have the test results to prove that I needed it.
So I decided to get the numbers on my side and that's when I requested my test results. As soon as I saw them, I knew. I have been his patient so long that I know which numbers he looks at and which numbers he's more concerned with. It was immediately alarming when I saw the number he really was interested in was off the normal range. It was also immediately alarming when the office called not once, but twice within a few hours of receiving the test results.
Ultimately ,even though it would have been helpful to have these results in the beginning of April, I think that God held off the results until I had mentally handled all the things I needed to handle before I could even begin to think about the possibility of a relapse. Now there are other things going on, but the assessment is over at work (one of the two anyways) and I am at ease with my Grandfather's passsing and my Uncle is at home after being at the hospital for 3 weeks or so.
While there are now other things on my plate, I am ready to tackle this head on. That's why when the LDN arrived I immediately began to take it. What I wasn't counting on was a reaction. May 28th I took my first dose. May 29th I felt nothing really. May 29th I took my 2nd dose. May 30th, I felt nothing really. I was woohooing all the way. I thought if it went well enough that I'd be able to increase my dose from 1mg to 2mg at my appointment in July. Well I took the third dose on May 30th. When I woke up on May 31st, I had a small headache. I thought it was kind of odd, but went about my day. The headache got worse. It never eased off.
I continued being a fighter and took the 4th dose on May 31st. On June 1st, I had the worst headache of my life. It rivaled the headaches I got pre-diagnosis. It was all I could do to function. I really just wanted to place an ice pack on my face and crawl into a hole where there was no light or sounds. I rivaled on though. June 1st, I took my 5th dose and by the next day my head was hurting even worse. As you know, I drove myself to the LLMD's. That's the day I discussed the controvery of Lyme with the assistant. Even though my head was killing me, I wanted to make sure she understood that I had been in a remission state and that this wasn't my normal.
So June 2nd, No LDN. June 3rd woke up with a less severe headache. No LDN on June 3rd either, woke up on June 4th feeling as well as I had before May 28th. She told me that unless I heard differently to not take the LDN until I had my appointment today. She then suggested that he will probably want me on IV's.
At 10 to 11, I will probably be getting news that I don't want. However, I will take what he has to say and swallow it with pride knowing that I did it once and I can do it again. Who knows, maybe just maybe, he may even say that it's just side effects. Haa. But my lab works proves that he knows what he's doing.
So prayers all around for my heart and mind and even those things that I haven't said outloud.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Delayed in Myrtle Beach Post
Due to the poor health of my Grandfather, I will be postponing the blog on Myrtle Beach. Please pray for my Grandfather and family. I went to see him today. He's tired and struggling to breathe. So until I can catch my own breath, the blog will have to wait.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Prayers for a friend
I got a message from a HS friend of mine about another friend. There are several words that make my throat go straight to my stomach when used in a sentence together. Two of those words are "spots" and "brain."
Who is this? A friend from high school and one of the smartest people I know.
What is wrong? Apparently, she began to experience extreme vertigo. She had some CT & MRI scans done of her brain and they discovered 4 spots on her brain. Two seem normal and the other two are abnormal.
What is happening next? Because the MRI's and CT scans are not showing the doctors exactly what the spots are, she is going to have exploratory surgery next week.
I have not talked to her personally, but I have sent in a couple of emails. I am sure she's been overloaded with emails and phone calls from people she's not seen or talked to in years upon receiving the recent news of her health. Just keep her in your prayers.
Who is this? A friend from high school and one of the smartest people I know.
What is wrong? Apparently, she began to experience extreme vertigo. She had some CT & MRI scans done of her brain and they discovered 4 spots on her brain. Two seem normal and the other two are abnormal.
What is happening next? Because the MRI's and CT scans are not showing the doctors exactly what the spots are, she is going to have exploratory surgery next week.
I have not talked to her personally, but I have sent in a couple of emails. I am sure she's been overloaded with emails and phone calls from people she's not seen or talked to in years upon receiving the recent news of her health. Just keep her in your prayers.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Pray for Stellan
Pray for baby Stellan. He's back in the PICU in SVT.
Click on his picture to go straight to MckMama's blog.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Prayers for a special LLMD
A few days ago, I heard about the most amazing Dr. J in South Carolina. I didn't hear about "him" because I've known of him for years. This amazing doctor was practicing in North Carolina. I had the opportunity to choose him, but I decided to against the popular Lyme physician and go with a lesser known doctor because of all the legal trouble's Dr. J was in at the time.
Upon exiting the state of North Carolina, he met with the SC big wigs in the medical community and had their support. However, their support has dwindled in the last two years and he is no longer welcome. He has made the decision to move his practice to DC. I believe that most of his patients are informed of this decision. So based on this information, I ask for you to pray not only for him during his move, but also for his patients that have moved from his practice from NC to SC and now to DC.
I wondered about all of this and was already praying for all of these things when I heard the rest of the news. Two or three (and this is all hearsay about the time line) weeks ago, Dr. J found out that his lovely wife had breast cancer. I am not sure about the specifics of her breast cancer, but my MIL is a breast cancer survivor. Please pray that Dr. J's wife can become a survivor as well. This is such a tricky disease with stages and spreading and I am not sure what stage his wife is in or if it's spread to other areas.
As if this wasn't quite a lot on Dr. J's plate, a week after he found out about his wife ... they learned that their 5 year old daughter has Leukemia. Please pray for Dr. J, his wife and his daughter as they undergo treatments. It is a scary situation for all involved. The saying is that God won't give you anything you can't handle. Dr. J has proven already that he is one tough doctor and man. He has helped the AIDS & Lyme community greatly. I imagine this will also give him the power to not only fight these two communities, but he will also bring his greatness to fight for cancer patients as well.
Sp please please pray for Dr. J, his family and all of the Lyme community (and in addition to all cancer patients and survivors and families).
Upon exiting the state of North Carolina, he met with the SC big wigs in the medical community and had their support. However, their support has dwindled in the last two years and he is no longer welcome. He has made the decision to move his practice to DC. I believe that most of his patients are informed of this decision. So based on this information, I ask for you to pray not only for him during his move, but also for his patients that have moved from his practice from NC to SC and now to DC.
I wondered about all of this and was already praying for all of these things when I heard the rest of the news. Two or three (and this is all hearsay about the time line) weeks ago, Dr. J found out that his lovely wife had breast cancer. I am not sure about the specifics of her breast cancer, but my MIL is a breast cancer survivor. Please pray that Dr. J's wife can become a survivor as well. This is such a tricky disease with stages and spreading and I am not sure what stage his wife is in or if it's spread to other areas.
As if this wasn't quite a lot on Dr. J's plate, a week after he found out about his wife ... they learned that their 5 year old daughter has Leukemia. Please pray for Dr. J, his wife and his daughter as they undergo treatments. It is a scary situation for all involved. The saying is that God won't give you anything you can't handle. Dr. J has proven already that he is one tough doctor and man. He has helped the AIDS & Lyme community greatly. I imagine this will also give him the power to not only fight these two communities, but he will also bring his greatness to fight for cancer patients as well.
Sp please please pray for Dr. J, his family and all of the Lyme community (and in addition to all cancer patients and survivors and families).
Friday, March 27, 2009
Praying for Lymies
I created a new blog inspired by Brent Riggs and my friends over at Truth about Lyme Disease.
Come visit and pray for my Lyme friends. First up is my friend Lisa from Truth About Lyme Disease Forum.
I am so excited about it. It has come together very quickly. Please go over and visit. Post prayers and encourage my Lyme friends. :D
Edited to add:
Here is our first Lymie of the Week.
Please send Lisa a special prayer or message by emailing: jenniferallton.lisa@blogger.com
It will automatically post on the praying for lymies blog.
That email will be disabled April 3, 2009 early in the morning. Here is Lisa's story:
I started getting sick in 1991. I went from Dr to Dr with heart palpitations, rashes, head pressure, memory problems, body aches, internal vibrations, and much more. They just kept telling me I had panic attacks. After 15 years of getting sicker and sicker I finally get diagnosed with Lyme Disease. After 3 weeks of Doxycycline I just got worse. I found an LLMD (lyme literate MD) but have a bad reactions to antibiotics. After three years in Lyme treatment I'm not much better. I also have bulging disks in my neck. I've lost much use in my right arm. My shoulder hurts all the time. But the worst is the endless fatigue caused by the lyme. I feel like all energy has been sucked from every cell in my body. It is leading me into a bad depression. I don't think if I didn't have faith in God that I would still be here. I know that this is the path that I'm supposed to lead so I just pray for the strength to help me get through it. I have three children, two dogs, three cats, and a bunny. They keep me gong. I'd be in bed all day if it wasn't for them! Thank you for your prayers everyone from the bottom of my heart!
Lisa
Come visit and pray for my Lyme friends. First up is my friend Lisa from Truth About Lyme Disease Forum.
I am so excited about it. It has come together very quickly. Please go over and visit. Post prayers and encourage my Lyme friends. :D
Edited to add:
Here is our first Lymie of the Week.
Please send Lisa a special prayer or message by emailing: jenniferallton.lisa@blogger.com
It will automatically post on the praying for lymies blog.
That email will be disabled April 3, 2009 early in the morning. Here is Lisa's story:
I started getting sick in 1991. I went from Dr to Dr with heart palpitations, rashes, head pressure, memory problems, body aches, internal vibrations, and much more. They just kept telling me I had panic attacks. After 15 years of getting sicker and sicker I finally get diagnosed with Lyme Disease. After 3 weeks of Doxycycline I just got worse. I found an LLMD (lyme literate MD) but have a bad reactions to antibiotics. After three years in Lyme treatment I'm not much better. I also have bulging disks in my neck. I've lost much use in my right arm. My shoulder hurts all the time. But the worst is the endless fatigue caused by the lyme. I feel like all energy has been sucked from every cell in my body. It is leading me into a bad depression. I don't think if I didn't have faith in God that I would still be here. I know that this is the path that I'm supposed to lead so I just pray for the strength to help me get through it. I have three children, two dogs, three cats, and a bunny. They keep me gong. I'd be in bed all day if it wasn't for them! Thank you for your prayers everyone from the bottom of my heart!
Lisa
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Praying for Emerson White
I have been reading this blog about a little girl named Emerson for a while. The short of it is that she was born with a metabolic disorder and her biggest hurdle is complete intestinal failure. Eme had a multiple organ transplant and they removed her large intestine, spleen, and 2/3 of her stomach. They transplanted a small intestines, liver and pancreas.
This beautiful girl is very sick. She's been in the hospital for 13 months and she undergone additional surgeries since the multiple organ transplant.
Please visit her website and pray for not only this little girl, but her beautiful mother Erika who updates the blog as frequently as they can. Why do they need such urgent and many prayers now? The hospital is sending Eme HOME. Read her blog on why this is such an overwhelming task. She has been placed back on the transplant list and is waiting for it to be activated.
This beautiful girl is very sick. She's been in the hospital for 13 months and she undergone additional surgeries since the multiple organ transplant.
Please visit her website and pray for not only this little girl, but her beautiful mother Erika who updates the blog as frequently as they can. Why do they need such urgent and many prayers now? The hospital is sending Eme HOME. Read her blog on why this is such an overwhelming task. She has been placed back on the transplant list and is waiting for it to be activated.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Prepare yourself
I hate those two words: Prepare yourself.
There are several phrases I hate:
"You need to sit down."
"Prepare yourself."
"Take a deep breath."
"It's time."
"He's had a good life."
Anything with the words "do not resuscitate."
On Saturday, I got the phone call I've been dreading the last 9 years. I don't remember everything about that phone calls, but some various words I heard:
Emergency Room
Critical Care
Struggling to Breathe
Immobile
Vomiting
Prepare yourself
After hemming and hawing over these words that circled in my head, my husband and I went up to the Critical Care Unit for me to visit. I "took a deep breath" and went in. What I saw wasn't pretty because it sure looked like to me that "it's time."
Sunday he's doing better. I hear nothing Monday or Tuesday, but on Wednesday I get another phone call. Again the words struggling to breathe were part of the phone call. On Thursday, I get all the phrases I hate ... including Prepare yourself & the DNR orders.
So now it's a waiting game. Will it be today, tonight, tomorrow? This weekend, next week, the week after? We do not know. What we do know is that he's struggling with oxygen levels and that he is refusing to eat. He's barely talking b/c he's struggling to breathe. Will the last words I him say is "I love you too." I hope so. That's a phrase that I could hear over and over again and never tire.
But in the meantime, I am just trying to "prepare myself" because "it's time" and "he's had a good life." I'm struggling to breathe, but trying to "take a deep breath" and I am "sitting down" because it's all I can do at the moment knowing that my Dad & Uncle signed the "DNR" orders just the other day.
Honestly, I am doing the very best I can with my motto: "The skills that I have and the love I receive."
There are several phrases I hate:
"You need to sit down."
"Prepare yourself."
"Take a deep breath."
"It's time."
"He's had a good life."
Anything with the words "do not resuscitate."
On Saturday, I got the phone call I've been dreading the last 9 years. I don't remember everything about that phone calls, but some various words I heard:
Emergency Room
Critical Care
Struggling to Breathe
Immobile
Vomiting
Prepare yourself
After hemming and hawing over these words that circled in my head, my husband and I went up to the Critical Care Unit for me to visit. I "took a deep breath" and went in. What I saw wasn't pretty because it sure looked like to me that "it's time."
Sunday he's doing better. I hear nothing Monday or Tuesday, but on Wednesday I get another phone call. Again the words struggling to breathe were part of the phone call. On Thursday, I get all the phrases I hate ... including Prepare yourself & the DNR orders.
So now it's a waiting game. Will it be today, tonight, tomorrow? This weekend, next week, the week after? We do not know. What we do know is that he's struggling with oxygen levels and that he is refusing to eat. He's barely talking b/c he's struggling to breathe. Will the last words I him say is "I love you too." I hope so. That's a phrase that I could hear over and over again and never tire.
But in the meantime, I am just trying to "prepare myself" because "it's time" and "he's had a good life." I'm struggling to breathe, but trying to "take a deep breath" and I am "sitting down" because it's all I can do at the moment knowing that my Dad & Uncle signed the "DNR" orders just the other day.
Honestly, I am doing the very best I can with my motto: "The skills that I have and the love I receive."
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Congressional Meetings
It went really well, but it was exhausting. I don't think I've done so much walking in such a long time. I was winded (and in fact I still am very winded). We split up into three groups. One group was lead by my doctor. He walked with a huge Lyme advocate that sees the amazing Dr. J in SC and also one of his patients who also has Lyme Disease. Another group was lead by another patient of his who has Lyme. She walked with another couple of Lyme patients both of whom see my doctor. And then there was my husband and I who were escorted by my nurse practitioner.
Many of the offices of the congressmen were empty. They were in meetings or out for lunch. However, we were able to talk to a few people who were not only interested in the bill that we were there for, but also interested in Lyme Disease. My husband and I were especially wanting to meet the senator that emailed me. He wasn't in, but his secretary had just read my letter. She was very interested in my story and wanted to know more. While I was in the office, the phone rang. She insisted I stick around so she could talk to me more about Lyme Disease and Integrative Medicine. So we waited and then talked to her. Shortly after, we called my nurse in so she could talk more specifics about the bill. We went back later to see if he was in the office and he was. We talked to him for about 10 minutes and he said he would sign yes on the bill!
In the second building, we made an effort to find the office of the senator of our county. We went in and he was out at lunch, but his secretary wanted to know why we had stopped by. She would let him know. Well as I'm explaining that I had written him a letter, I realized that my letter was sitting right there on top of her pile of paper work. As I was saying, "I wrote Senator ----- a letter about my difficulties in getting diagnosed with Lyme Disease and how integrative medicine has helped me," she asked if I was Jennifer. She had just read my letter right before I walked through the door. She talked with us for a good 15 minutes and said that she was certain that he would sign yes on the bill when it was introduced. That another Senator had brought his letter over to the office for him to read because it was such a compelling story. So the letter on my Senator's desk was actually another Senator for a different county.
My Senator hadn't received his letter yet because he hadn't gone home to retrieve it. How amazing is it that they had just read the letter before I walked into the office?!?
I am very exhausted from the very busy day. I hope I made an impact on some important people because my body is going to pay for it. I'm not sure if it's allergies from tree pollen or if it's just a standard cold or if it's turning into a sinus infection or if I picked something up from the hospital on Sunday, but I am very exhausted and winded. It's difficult to breathe, but not enough to really be concerned. If I'm still having trouble in the morning, I may stop by to check my oxygen level after work and to let them listen to my lungs. I empathize with my CF friends today because I am struggling with every single breath. Pray that my body shapes up and my immune system starts fighting this mess.
I almost forgot the most exciting (er nervewracking) part. So I get to my doctor's office and there is a office full of people in the waiting room. One lady with a camera, two gentlemen that would be going with us, one lady that would be going with us and a patient that was waiting for her IV treatment. So I sat down next to the camera lady (thinking that she was going with us to Legislative Building) and Rob sat on the other side (there were no two seats side by side). A few minutes later, Dr. P comes out and motions for the photographer to come back. Then a few minutes later, he opens the door and motions for me. I was confused, but went back with my husband. He then informed me that the Triangle Business Journal was taking photos for the Journal and wanted pictures of him and one of his patients. He thought I would be perfect and to come on back for my photo OP. OMG ... they took my picture with my doctor and my nurse! Then another photo of us looking at supplements! *gasp* Glad I didn't wear jeans & a tshirt!
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
"God's Willing"
"My husband is more than likely taking off this coming Wednesday to tell our story and then it is my hope that I can go the next time on the 25th. I'm not sure if it will be possible, but if it is God's will for me to be there ... I will be there."
I said this on Sunday. On Monday morning, I talked to my boss about the exciting opportunity that my husband would have this coming Wednesday and if it went well that I would possibly get to go later on. It was then when she said that I should go since it was my story. You about had to pick my chin off the floor and stop me from saying "seriously."
I have always said that God gave me Lyme Disease for a purpose. I believe that this is part of the purpose for me to use my Lyme Life to help Integrative Medical Doctors that help all illnesses. Now God willing, I will be healthy enough tomorrow to talk to these men *and women* that can help Integrative Medical Doctors.
Wish me luck and lots of prayers.
I said this on Sunday. On Monday morning, I talked to my boss about the exciting opportunity that my husband would have this coming Wednesday and if it went well that I would possibly get to go later on. It was then when she said that I should go since it was my story. You about had to pick my chin off the floor and stop me from saying "seriously."
I have always said that God gave me Lyme Disease for a purpose. I believe that this is part of the purpose for me to use my Lyme Life to help Integrative Medical Doctors that help all illnesses. Now God willing, I will be healthy enough tomorrow to talk to these men *and women* that can help Integrative Medical Doctors.
Wish me luck and lots of prayers.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Another update
12:26 pm update:
My grandfather has been sitting up for a few minutes at a time this morning. He is also more responsive to questions and has been asking what is next.
They suspect that he received this lovely pneumonia from his recent stay. He should be moved to the regular floor today and continued to be monitored. He's not out of the woods by any means, but it was a relief to get this update from my Dad this morning.
Instead of making new posts on this today if I get word ... I will just add to the top of this post.
My grandfather has been sitting up for a few minutes at a time this morning. He is also more responsive to questions and has been asking what is next.
They suspect that he received this lovely pneumonia from his recent stay. He should be moved to the regular floor today and continued to be monitored. He's not out of the woods by any means, but it was a relief to get this update from my Dad this morning.
Instead of making new posts on this today if I get word ... I will just add to the top of this post.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Update
Going out to dinner to take away nerves: $50.00
1/2 a tank of gas $10.00
Hearing your grandfather say I love you: Priceless
After hemming and hawing since 11, I decided that it was important for me to go to the hospital whether it was a danger to my own health or not. I knew if something happened and I didn't go, it would eat away at me the rest of my life. So my previous post said that he has double pneumonia. That is pretty much all I knew before I went.
Once there, I learned the following:
1. He has double pneumonia ~ meaning pneumonia is in both of his lungs. He had just been discharged from the hospital yesterday from another stay where he had been having difficulty breathing. I am not sure whether he was being treated for Pneumonia already or whether this was something that popped up after he was discharged.
2. He is on Oxygen. He's already been on this at home with the nasal cannula, but he had on the mask. They say they are going to switch him over to another kind (i'm guessing nasal cannula) since his Oxygen levels are now stable to avoid drying out his lips and mouth with mask.
3. His blood pressure was really really low when they admitted him into the ER by ambulance. They began fluids right away and just the fluids alone have raised his blood pressure closer to normal. He's on an automatic blood pressure monitor that monitors him every 30 minutes or so. While I was there it was about 110 over 57.
4. His respiration were between 15 and 20 while I was there. Apparently this is good, but I don't know much about respiration rates.
5. The plan is for the pulmonologist (the lung doctor) to come visit in the morning to see about transferring him out of the Critical Care Unit to a regular hospital room. They want to keep him in the Critical Care Unit at least over night to keep a better monitor of his stats.
6. He was responsive to the nurses and to us while we were there. It was very difficult at first for me, but when he realized I was there he opened his eyes and talked to me briefly before going back to sleep.
7. How am I? Well it was very difficult not only because I hate to see my Grandfather in this condition, but b/c the last time I was at that hospital my Granny was literally on her death bed. She died before I could get there in time. Every spring, I get lonely for her. "It will get better in time" they say. But does it ever really? Yes & No. So today I was getting my heart ready for another heart ache. I am also worried about my own health because it was very dangerous for me to go there. BUT, I had to go. We were only allowed to go back 2 at a time. So I went back with my father. Then my father left me there alone and my uncle came back. Then my Uncle left and my brother came back. I then left to see if anyone else wanted to go back.
It was at that time I knew visiting hours would be over and there was nothing else to do but to come on home. Please continue to pray.
**** there were 3 messages posted on this day *****
This one, the initial one on my Grandfather and then the one about it being the one month anniversary of my picc line being removed. Ironic that on the day one month ago that I had my picc line removed that I head to the hospital to see all these IV tubes coming from my grandfather.
1/2 a tank of gas $10.00
Hearing your grandfather say I love you: Priceless
After hemming and hawing since 11, I decided that it was important for me to go to the hospital whether it was a danger to my own health or not. I knew if something happened and I didn't go, it would eat away at me the rest of my life. So my previous post said that he has double pneumonia. That is pretty much all I knew before I went.
Once there, I learned the following:
1. He has double pneumonia ~ meaning pneumonia is in both of his lungs. He had just been discharged from the hospital yesterday from another stay where he had been having difficulty breathing. I am not sure whether he was being treated for Pneumonia already or whether this was something that popped up after he was discharged.
2. He is on Oxygen. He's already been on this at home with the nasal cannula, but he had on the mask. They say they are going to switch him over to another kind (i'm guessing nasal cannula) since his Oxygen levels are now stable to avoid drying out his lips and mouth with mask.
3. His blood pressure was really really low when they admitted him into the ER by ambulance. They began fluids right away and just the fluids alone have raised his blood pressure closer to normal. He's on an automatic blood pressure monitor that monitors him every 30 minutes or so. While I was there it was about 110 over 57.
4. His respiration were between 15 and 20 while I was there. Apparently this is good, but I don't know much about respiration rates.
5. The plan is for the pulmonologist (the lung doctor) to come visit in the morning to see about transferring him out of the Critical Care Unit to a regular hospital room. They want to keep him in the Critical Care Unit at least over night to keep a better monitor of his stats.
6. He was responsive to the nurses and to us while we were there. It was very difficult at first for me, but when he realized I was there he opened his eyes and talked to me briefly before going back to sleep.
7. How am I? Well it was very difficult not only because I hate to see my Grandfather in this condition, but b/c the last time I was at that hospital my Granny was literally on her death bed. She died before I could get there in time. Every spring, I get lonely for her. "It will get better in time" they say. But does it ever really? Yes & No. So today I was getting my heart ready for another heart ache. I am also worried about my own health because it was very dangerous for me to go there. BUT, I had to go. We were only allowed to go back 2 at a time. So I went back with my father. Then my father left me there alone and my uncle came back. Then my Uncle left and my brother came back. I then left to see if anyone else wanted to go back.
It was at that time I knew visiting hours would be over and there was nothing else to do but to come on home. Please continue to pray.
**** there were 3 messages posted on this day *****
This one, the initial one on my Grandfather and then the one about it being the one month anniversary of my picc line being removed. Ironic that on the day one month ago that I had my picc line removed that I head to the hospital to see all these IV tubes coming from my grandfather.
IMMEDIATE prayers
My grandfather is in the hospital. It's very critical especially the next 12 to 24 hours. He has double pneumonia. He's on IV antibiotics & fluids. He doesn't have a regular room yet and I'm on my way for the almost 90 minute drive to the hospital. This is the same hospital I last saw my Granny in almost 9 years ago. The memories are overwhelming and the emotions are spilling out my eyes.
So your prayers are needed in a most dyer way. First and foremost, prayers are needed for my grandfather. Please pray that he can pull out through this bout of pneumonia like he has every other time. And if it goes the other way .. that he doesn't pull out, please pray that it's easy for him. I don't want him to be in pain.
Secondly and maybe just as important .. please pray for me. It's all I can do to type this right now. My emotions are off the chart, but more than for strength .... please pray that I don't catch anything while at the hospital. I am extremely susceptible to every little germ, but I feel that I need to be there with my family. So please keep those prayer warriors going that I am able to maintain my health while being with my family.
I am not ready for a set back and pneumonia is not something my body can handle right now. Thanx for your continued support and prayers through this challenging time. I'll keep everyone up to date as soon as I can, but keep in mind that I won't have access to the computer after I leave in a few moments until I return home.
So your prayers are needed in a most dyer way. First and foremost, prayers are needed for my grandfather. Please pray that he can pull out through this bout of pneumonia like he has every other time. And if it goes the other way .. that he doesn't pull out, please pray that it's easy for him. I don't want him to be in pain.
Secondly and maybe just as important .. please pray for me. It's all I can do to type this right now. My emotions are off the chart, but more than for strength .... please pray that I don't catch anything while at the hospital. I am extremely susceptible to every little germ, but I feel that I need to be there with my family. So please keep those prayer warriors going that I am able to maintain my health while being with my family.
I am not ready for a set back and pneumonia is not something my body can handle right now. Thanx for your continued support and prayers through this challenging time. I'll keep everyone up to date as soon as I can, but keep in mind that I won't have access to the computer after I leave in a few moments until I return home.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Prayers please
The past few days I have been really irritable. My overall mood has been less than stellar and I know it is all hormonal related which makes it even more frustrating because I am TRYING to snap out of it yet my hormones are just going crazy which makes me turn into a big ole meanie!
Last night I was so upset (and for good reason: I had 4 things back to back happen that were beyond my control) that I just decided to go get snug under my blankets, read a good book and go to sleep!
Anyways, just pray that my mood stabilizes soon. I don't see where my mood swings help anyone including myself.
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
There I feel better.
Actually I don't, but hopefully after 8 hours of work .. I can come back home to relax.
Last night I was so upset (and for good reason: I had 4 things back to back happen that were beyond my control) that I just decided to go get snug under my blankets, read a good book and go to sleep!
Anyways, just pray that my mood stabilizes soon. I don't see where my mood swings help anyone including myself.
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
There I feel better.
Actually I don't, but hopefully after 8 hours of work .. I can come back home to relax.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
a tiny cold
About a week ago, I was exposed to three major illnesses. I knew that the liklihood that I'd wind up with some form of these was significantly high, but hoped and prayed that they would not come to fruition. Here it is 9 days before Christmas and I wake up with (TMI) the snots and the sore throat. I also have a cough. If this cold goes in the same directions as any other cold I've ever had in the last 4 years, I will be hoarse by Christmas. What a present for my husband.
Please pray that the treatment I had on Saturday will continue to work it's magic and I will not become so sick that I have to "skip" Christmas. I feel GREAT, but my nose and throat and cough. :( Not so happy about that. I have been feeling the 'tickle' in my throat since Thursday or Friday, but the cough didn't start until yesterday ... woke up with the nasty green nose (At least it's Christmas Colors) today and well it seems that fate always has me sick on something I'm really looking forward to *which you'll hear all about tonight*
I'll survive. Always do.
Please pray that the treatment I had on Saturday will continue to work it's magic and I will not become so sick that I have to "skip" Christmas. I feel GREAT, but my nose and throat and cough. :( Not so happy about that. I have been feeling the 'tickle' in my throat since Thursday or Friday, but the cough didn't start until yesterday ... woke up with the nasty green nose (At least it's Christmas Colors) today and well it seems that fate always has me sick on something I'm really looking forward to *which you'll hear all about tonight*
I'll survive. Always do.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Pure Exhausted
Nothing much to say today except that I am pure exhausted. I stayed up way too late watching Survivor and Survivor Reunion show last night. I was ecstatic when Bob won not only the million dollars, but the Sprint Favorite Player $100,000 prize too.
Since my treatment on Saturday, I have noticed that I have a severe headache. I am sure it is just what we Lymies call a "die off reaction," but since I haven't had a massive headache since like July .. it is a bit depressing. :o( Pray that it ends quickly.
10 days till Christmas. :o) I will definately have to get up pictures of my decorations soon. Praise God that I was able to decorate this year. :=)
Good day to all and to all a good night. :}
Since my treatment on Saturday, I have noticed that I have a severe headache. I am sure it is just what we Lymies call a "die off reaction," but since I haven't had a massive headache since like July .. it is a bit depressing. :o( Pray that it ends quickly.
10 days till Christmas. :o) I will definately have to get up pictures of my decorations soon. Praise God that I was able to decorate this year. :=)
Good day to all and to all a good night. :}
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Tis the season (pt 2)
At the end of one of my blogs I wrote this:
"So am I a wealthy person? Do I have the latest and greatest of things in my home? Compared to some that live in the area ... No I do not. Compared to others ... Yes I do. But am I wealthy? Do I have an abundance of things in my heart in which a price can not be determined? Yes I do. Can people (IE the bank) take these things from me? No they can't. I have a wealth of beautiful memories that no one can take. I have a wealth of friends, laughter, happiness, compassion and knowledge. So today ... I thank God that I am wealthy. My prayer is that all of you can be wealthy too."
I bolded one word that I'd like to mention today. I believe compassion has to be taught at an early age because compassion is engraved into your soul and heart. That's not something that I believe can be added much later in life. Are their exceptions to this rule? Sure there are, but I believe those are few and far between.
I belong to this forum for the small town where I live. On occasion, a member of the forum will post a need of member of the community (whether that family knows it or not). In the past, I have looked at these needs and wanted to do something. I truly felt a desire to alleviate their suffering. However something always gave way to not really be able to help in a manner that I thought sufficient. I thought if I can't do a huge gesture why do anything.
This year my goal was to make myself smile more and to do something extraordinary. I am so fortunate and so wealthy in so many ways. A few days ago, I heard about a family in our community. This family is a good Christian family that goes out of their way to help others in the community. In this last year, they have been hit with tragedy after tragedy and yet kept it hidden from most they knew.
Fortunately someone that knows them got wind of all of this and poured out a request that members of the forum help this family. Rob and I knew we had to do something. I won't share the specifics of what we are planning to do, but know that this family will now be able to keep their home. This is a family where the father must undergo Brain surgery on the 10th and both Mom and Dad lost their jobs. They have three children between the ages of 8 and 14. Their children know that Christmas can not happen this year. Until Tuesday, they thought their electricity would be turned off today. Until Tuesday, they thought they would be losing their home shortly.
The outpouring of love that the community has shown has been a bit overwhelming for this family. I know they appreciate every act of kindness no matter how large or small. I am so glad that I had the "wealth of compassion" to be able to share and while I give a gift to someone else ... it is they that gave me a gift. Please pray for this family. If you wish to lend a helping hand, contact me in the comment section and I can get you in touch with the person lining up the help for this family.
Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift.
Edited: I received word that their mortgage has been paid up through the end of December. What a blessing for this family.
"So am I a wealthy person? Do I have the latest and greatest of things in my home? Compared to some that live in the area ... No I do not. Compared to others ... Yes I do. But am I wealthy? Do I have an abundance of things in my heart in which a price can not be determined? Yes I do. Can people (IE the bank) take these things from me? No they can't. I have a wealth of beautiful memories that no one can take. I have a wealth of friends, laughter, happiness, compassion and knowledge. So today ... I thank God that I am wealthy. My prayer is that all of you can be wealthy too."
I bolded one word that I'd like to mention today. I believe compassion has to be taught at an early age because compassion is engraved into your soul and heart. That's not something that I believe can be added much later in life. Are their exceptions to this rule? Sure there are, but I believe those are few and far between.
I belong to this forum for the small town where I live. On occasion, a member of the forum will post a need of member of the community (whether that family knows it or not). In the past, I have looked at these needs and wanted to do something. I truly felt a desire to alleviate their suffering. However something always gave way to not really be able to help in a manner that I thought sufficient. I thought if I can't do a huge gesture why do anything.
This year my goal was to make myself smile more and to do something extraordinary. I am so fortunate and so wealthy in so many ways. A few days ago, I heard about a family in our community. This family is a good Christian family that goes out of their way to help others in the community. In this last year, they have been hit with tragedy after tragedy and yet kept it hidden from most they knew.
Fortunately someone that knows them got wind of all of this and poured out a request that members of the forum help this family. Rob and I knew we had to do something. I won't share the specifics of what we are planning to do, but know that this family will now be able to keep their home. This is a family where the father must undergo Brain surgery on the 10th and both Mom and Dad lost their jobs. They have three children between the ages of 8 and 14. Their children know that Christmas can not happen this year. Until Tuesday, they thought their electricity would be turned off today. Until Tuesday, they thought they would be losing their home shortly.
The outpouring of love that the community has shown has been a bit overwhelming for this family. I know they appreciate every act of kindness no matter how large or small. I am so glad that I had the "wealth of compassion" to be able to share and while I give a gift to someone else ... it is they that gave me a gift. Please pray for this family. If you wish to lend a helping hand, contact me in the comment section and I can get you in touch with the person lining up the help for this family.
2 Corinthians 9:15
Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift.
Edited: I received word that their mortgage has been paid up through the end of December. What a blessing for this family.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Prayers for Kayleigh
EDITED to add: Kayleigh's surgery went great. Go to her blog (by clicking her name below) to read Adam's update to the surgery.
Please pray for Kayleigh. I do not have the appropriate amount of time to go into the whole story, but she is a tiny baby in North Carolina. She will enter the OR today at 6:30ish Eastern Time and start her operation at 7:30 Eastern Time. It will take 4 to 6 hrs or more.
Please pray for the election today. No matter the outcome or who you vote for ... please get out there in this cold rainy weather and VOTE. We have a saying in our house. You can't complain if you don't vote. My husband and I already voted. :)
Have a great day and please remember Kayleigh. Lil Kayleigh ... may Aimee & Adam have peace in the 4 to 6 hours you are in surgery and even more so once you are out.
Please pray for Kayleigh. I do not have the appropriate amount of time to go into the whole story, but she is a tiny baby in North Carolina. She will enter the OR today at 6:30ish Eastern Time and start her operation at 7:30 Eastern Time. It will take 4 to 6 hrs or more.
Please pray for the election today. No matter the outcome or who you vote for ... please get out there in this cold rainy weather and VOTE. We have a saying in our house. You can't complain if you don't vote. My husband and I already voted. :)
Have a great day and please remember Kayleigh. Lil Kayleigh ... may Aimee & Adam have peace in the 4 to 6 hours you are in surgery and even more so once you are out.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Missing Person
Texas EquuSearch is in the process of helping search for Kelly Currin Morris. They are also in the process of helping to find THREE OTHER Missing North Carolinian women.
Jennifer Rivkin: 43 year old woman missing from Bessemer North Carolina. She went missing on May 4, 2008. A car that was apparently borrowed was found with her make-up bag, purse, and driver's license. Here is her information with more details.
Mouy Tang: 45 year old woman missing from Cleveland County North Carolina. She was last seen on September 3, 2008. She's from an assisted living facility and needs diabetic medication 4 times a day. She walked away unnoticed on September 3rd. Here is her information with more details.
Jamie Frayley: 22 year old woman missing from Gastonia North Carolina. She was last seen at her apartment on April 8, 2008. No one has heard from her since. Here is her information with more details.
Kelly Currin Morris: 28 year old woman missing from Stem North Carolina. She was last seen September 3, 2008. Her house burned down on the 4th of September. Her car was found near her home containing her purse, keys and cell phone. Here is her information with more details.
Texas EquuSearch is most newsworthy in the Natalee Holloway case and Natalee's parents help them quite frequently in their searches. There are tons of missing people listed on their website. If you know anything about any of them, please contact them or the agency in charge of finding these missing women (men and children).
Families need answers. Friends want answers. Our Communities ache for these women and want to know what happened to them.
Jennifer Rivkin: 43 year old woman missing from Bessemer North Carolina. She went missing on May 4, 2008. A car that was apparently borrowed was found with her make-up bag, purse, and driver's license. Here is her information with more details.
Mouy Tang: 45 year old woman missing from Cleveland County North Carolina. She was last seen on September 3, 2008. She's from an assisted living facility and needs diabetic medication 4 times a day. She walked away unnoticed on September 3rd. Here is her information with more details.
Jamie Frayley: 22 year old woman missing from Gastonia North Carolina. She was last seen at her apartment on April 8, 2008. No one has heard from her since. Here is her information with more details.
Kelly Currin Morris: 28 year old woman missing from Stem North Carolina. She was last seen September 3, 2008. Her house burned down on the 4th of September. Her car was found near her home containing her purse, keys and cell phone. Here is her information with more details.
Texas EquuSearch is most newsworthy in the Natalee Holloway case and Natalee's parents help them quite frequently in their searches. There are tons of missing people listed on their website. If you know anything about any of them, please contact them or the agency in charge of finding these missing women (men and children).
Families need answers. Friends want answers. Our Communities ache for these women and want to know what happened to them.
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