love – Page 3

Annnnd.. We’re back!

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Hi all!!! I know it’s been a long time, unfortunately my actual website crashed, and I can’t retrieve anything from it! 😦 So, i’m starting over on here, while I rebuild a new one! So stay tuned my lovelies!

So, it’s been an eventful year!

Onto a quick medical update: It’s been a year of doctors, and revelations! I was diagnosed with Ehlers Danlos in May. The doctors are now fairly certain I have amyloidosis. So, we’re going through all the testing for that. They’re also pushing for an MRI to fully rule out MS. My gastroparesis is causing issues, but i’m trying to push through. My gasro is good, but now i’m searching for a motility specialist. Any suggestions for Florida, would be greatly appreciated.

One thing that’s been really heavy on my heart is the taboo topic of Mental Health. The depression and anxiety many with chronic illnesses suffer from. The way doctors brush off symptoms, and just tell us it’s in our heads. It’s unacceptable. I’ve heard some people, doctors even, say, ” Just be more positive”. Having a positive outlook isn’t going to cure an illness… This is why people who struggle with chronic illnesses, and mental health issues say; “I’m fine”. Because when we’re honest about how we feel and how we struggle, we’re told to think positive. It’s a bullshit statement. My thinking positively isn’t going to cure my autoimmune issues. So I’ll just continue on with saying; “I’m fine” because people don’t want to hear nor see the truth. I’ll hide behind the fake smiles, and carry on. Perhaps it’s because no one takes us seriously, no one lets us feel what we feel. We’re told to suck it up and be positive. #endthestigma

No, I’m not saying that being positive doesn’t help, however it is NOT a cure. It’s extremely condescending to tell people “oh just be positive, it’ll cure you.”, or “maybe be more positive and you wouldn’t be so sick.” Those are condescending statements made to people, by people that don’t understand nor care to. They make people feel ashamed for how they feel, they basically say, how we feel is wrong. That’s unacceptable.

I’ve had doctors, several in fact, comment on how positive I am. I don’t want others to feel down, or feel ashamed for how they feel and struggle, or brushed off because no one listens to how they feel. I’ve been there, I want to HELP them to share what they feel and how they struggle. We shouldn’t bottle up how we feel or struggle just so we don’t upset or offend anyone.

My motto is this: “Adjust, adapt, move forward”. That is what I choose to do when I face an obstacle. We need to be a voice, we need to find our voice. We need to stand up and say we’re not wrong, that our feelings are perfectly normal. We’re not something to be ashamed of, or to made to feel inferior. I’m working on launching a youtube channel, with blogs about this, and about my journey. I’d love to have collaborators. I’d love get this movement off the ground! I’d love to make this huge! YOU are not defined by what you have, you are defined by WHAT YOU DO and WHO YOU ARE!

Let’s be voice, let’s fight the stigma we face. Let’s be beacon of hope to those struggling to find their voice!

#findyourvoice, #beavoice, #letsbeabeacon, #dontbeashamedofyourstory, #beinspired, #endthestigma

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I’m back… again!

Hello my dear readers and friends! I know it’s been quite some time since I’ve written, and I’m sorry. I was not well, and had to take time to at least wrap my head around things surrounding my health.

On August 19, 2014 I sent my sweet baby boy to Kindergarten!!! He’s such a big boy now! He tells me that he is, and loves “big boy” school. He started school the day after I was released from the hospital for the picc line infection. I refused to miss his first day of school!! Yes, I’m a proud mama!!!

1623632_10153097568405760_4978793239682675346_n — My baby boy and I

In September my cardiologist in Virginia had another one placed, my doctor in Florida removed it feeling it was a serious risk. At that point I was so overwhelmed and angry that my neuro would no longer order the saline, that I was ok with it. I started physical therapy to help with my strength, it helped slightly, but mainly left me exhausted and in pain. I sprained my MCLs at the end of August, which required me to wear two knee braces, the sprains were so severe I have to wear these braces ALL THE TIME! I hated them, and didn’t really wear them. Bad girl, I know! this led to bursitis around my knee and required me to get the corticosteroids in my knees. Unfortunately I had to get it in my SI joint as well due to major issues there. Such is life! lol I also had an Echo done, and it showed an enlarged heart, as well as mitral, tricuspid, and pulmonic regurgitation. My cardio in Virginia is keeping it monitored very closely.

October brought it’s own set of issues, as well as fun Halloween time!! I didn’t do so well in school because I wasn’t feeling so well and couldn’t keep up with the course work. It’s awful, but it’s not exactly a shocking development! My son decided to be Flash for Halloween, which meant I had to be Batgirl…… Oh yes, I’m THAT mom! lol We went trick or treating with friends, and had an amazing time. Which makes it all worth it!!

November brought some difficulties with me getting around and keeping my energy up, but I was ok. Thanksgiving sucked. I unfortunately had full body tremors and was passing out… again a wonderful holiday ruined by my health. I cried, and had to be carried to my couch, and to the bathroom. Dysautonomia, you suck! But dinner was yummy!! I also had the Mirena IUD placed.. boy was that painful!

December is when things fell apart. I started having major pre syncope, and passing out. I became unable to keep my blood pressure up. It crashed more often than not. Eating became a bigger challenge. My mom flew down and drove us to her house in Tennessee. I basically slept the entire way. I couldn’t rally do anything else.

January, my life crashed. I could no longer control my blood pressure, and was constantly dizzy. My energy was non existent. I slept nearly all the time. And I still wasn’t really eating. What I did eat, didn’t stay in me for long. My neuro here in Florida didn’t know what to do with me. She pretty much threw her hands up and told me that I DID NOT have dysautonomia. Which I found interesting because TWO other hospitals confirmed the diagnosis, and why didn’t she say anything in the last TWO year she was treating me for it?! I found a neuro in Tampa that knows dysautonomia. I saw him at the end of January, and he ordered all new tests. My sister drove me to my appointments, and for that i’m so grateful. My appointment for testing was last week. The tests confirmed that I do indeed have dysautonomia. He also said that my neuropathy is so severe in my legs that it’s affecting the blood flow to my feet, which is why they’re always freezing cold. He decided not to even try the Florinef or midodrine again as I had such bad reactions to them… He decided to go straight to IV saline… which means, another IV, which means a picc line or a port. I’m opting for the port. He has hope that this will help tremendously. I know it will help some. This month has been incredibly difficult as I have no energy, and no appetite. I’m rarely hungry and when I am hungry I barely eat anything. My dizziness is so bad. My mirena has cause extreme pain. Today I learned that I have several ovarian cysts and pelvic fluid. The doctor ordered a CT scan, which is being done Friday. I’m hoping this is nothing major. I’m hoping it’s not Endometriosis rearing it’s ugly head again. I’m hoping for so many things.

I know at times we all feel helpless, angry, grieving, depressed. We must not let these feelings consume us. I know it’d be easy to let them, but we need to remember our fight, our inner strength. We’ve made it this far, we can make it even farther and face all that comes toward us. Remember you are loved, you are worth it, and you are beautiful and amazing, but most of all remember you are not alone in this fight!! We’re all warriors, we’re all a family!

First Post, New Year!!

Hello My darlings! I know I’ve broken my promise about updating more often, and I’m sorry! Though I have good news! I’ve been busy working with my financial aid office at my school to get my financial aid back. I was on academic probation, and thanks to a dis-compassionate professor I lost my financial aid last fall. Luckily I was able to get it back, after contacting the Disability Services and working with them to document my illness and get a Memorandum of Accommodations. Once that was turned into financial aid, I was approved right away! I’m so happy I can finally continue with my education! Eventually I’ll have my Masters, or even PhD!

So.. what else have I been doing?? Well, I baked bread, yes home made bread! I was my first time, and I was nervous but excited. I used my wonderful Kitchen Aide mixer and let it do all the hard work! I do have to say for a first try it turned out alright! I need a bigger pan, and to cook it slightly longer, but it was delicious!

We also went to the park and launched my son’s bottle rocket! I know, what was I thinking?! Not to worry it was a little rocket powered by vinegar and baking soda! My dad was a big help, seeing as how I can’t really pour anything into a small little bottle, so he did it! I sat down and watched my son run around after the rocket and laugh! It was a very happy time for me! I’m not able to get out much, but it wasn’t a sunny day, or very hot, so I was able to get out, and enjoy the day with them!!

After that we got a bout of chilly weather, which just made things horrible with my pain, and I couldn’t regulate my body temperature! I went from freezing to burning up! Seizures a few times a day, it was just awful! So I ended up staying wrapped up in my jammies and Dysautonomia hoodie, and laying on my couch with my puppy!!

I’ve had falls, quite a few, and one really bad one, to where i’m not so sure I didn’t break a rib! Such is life for me! I’ve got my health insurance finally straightened out! I’m working on being happy and working on my book! I’ve also developed huge problems with eating. I’ve been unable to eat more than a few bites for two days now. I have only been able to drink about 2-3 oz of my meal replacement drinks too. So.. I’m starting to worry about it a little. I’m so hungry, and thirsty, but every time I eat I get so nauseous, and the pain is horrible, and no it’s not gas! LOL. So I’m guessing it’s time to see a GI! Oh the joys of Dysautonomia!!

That’s it for now my dear darling readers!!! Until next time, I bid you a wonderful day!!

End of the Year Review..

Hello my dear readers!! Tonight is New Years Eve. I’m home, ready for bed. LOL. It’s been a rough few days, this is not how I wanted to end the year. All I can say is, at least I haven’t landed in the hospital!

My goal for the upcoming year is to work on getting answers for my health, or as many answers as I can. I see my new neurologist next week, and I’m excited, yet nervous! I’m hoping things go well with him. I’m also working with University of Miami Neurosurgery Department to get an appointment with Dr. Green. They’ve been so helpful. I also hope to get a wheelchair. 🙂 And make it special, and just for me. I’m nearly completely unable to bear weight on my left leg due to the pain in my hip. I also have some silly goals I’ve set aside for myself:

1) Get the cooling bed so I can sleep!

2) Start crossing things off my bucket list, first is to experience the Northern Lights up close and personal.

3) Get special contact lens for my photophobia.

4) See my son graduate VPK (in May)

5) Write a book.

6) Make new and long lasting friendships.

These are just a few of mine! What about you?? Have you decided any resolutions for yourself??? This year has been very difficult, and at times i’ve wanted to give up, but I kept on fighting. Just as I will next year! Sometimes our trials seem so much, too much at times to handle, but we must remember, that we can overcome so much with our family and friends at our side. I want to help others as much as I can. To help others see that even though we battle this hell, we don’t have to let it consume us, we don’t have to let the darkness win. Let’s start this new year off right. With positive thoughts, and hope in our hearts! Hope for so many things, and people. Remember we are all battling something, who are we to judge others?? All we can do is be kind to one another, show compassion, and hope that our kindness helps someone else.

So my dear readers, as I mentioned in the last post, I’d truly like to make this more interactive. I’m working on making this an active site, and hopefully I can have that done!

Stay safe my dear readers, and Happy NEW Year!!!!!!!!

Day After—We Survived!

So, it’s the day after Christmas for those of us in the US..and guess what?? We made it, we survived the stress of the holidays! Maybe not by much, there may have been some falls, some passing out, some anxiety attacks, some arguments, but we made it! Lets all take a bow, or clap for ourselves! You know why? Cause dammit we deserve it! 🙂 This holiday was definitely hard on me, I was definitely a lot worse health wise this year than I was last year. I woke up Christmas morning, knowing it’d be a rough day, I was already exhausted from not sleeping well, and in a lot of pain. My son was already up and ready for presents, but first we had to have breakfast, and open our stockings from Santa, (he’s only 4). My dad made breakfast, our traditional Jiffy Blueberry Muffins, while my son and I opened our stockings. I got my cool gear cup, I’ve been looking for, in green! It seemed Santa didn’t want me to get sick since I got a lot of antibacterial wipes and hand sanitizer, he also got my favorite lotion, which is the only one I can use now, Cocoa Butter! Also Got some Hello Kitty Lip gloss, Yes Hello Kitty! LOL. Some other stuff as well. My son of course got all boy stuff, matchbox cars, batman figurines, tattoos, minions toys, finger skateboards, and candy..sigh.. candy and my son do not get along well, we limit his candy intake to the extreme. LOL. It hypes him up so much. So we finish our breakfast, while Pop (my dad) goes through his stocking, my son is literally jumping in his seat for presents. Telling us to hurry. And yes Santa did come and he had already gone through those presents. He got a remote control truck, an Iron Man toothbrush holder thing (haha like my description?), and an outfit for school.

Soo….finally Pop finished his breakfast, and it was present time, so we all head to the tree. My dad gets me a blanket in case I get cold and a pillow for my back. And we start handing out presents for my son..This kid made out like a bandit!! LOL he’s loved. He got clothes, Duck Commander PJ’s, TMNT PJ’s, another shirt for school, Skylanders game, Angry Birds Light up shoes, and Perry the Platypus shoe, a special book I made him of his Bible verses they memorize in school, a build your own bottle rocket, solar system model to build, a rocket ship clock that lights up the room and shows pictures of the moon or galaxy on the ceiling. So much science stuff for him. He loves science so much!!!! He was so excited! I got some sheep pajama pants, a Kinect for xbox, and a game for the kinect. My dad got some pictures for his picture frames, a journal for himself from me, and a very special gift from my son: a poem “Walking with Grandpa” we also included pictures of them together, and my son signed it. I converted it to a picture file, printed and framed it. He choked up with emotion. And hugged my son so tight. 🙂 It was all worth it.

After presents, I rested a little bit, then started an apple pie.. Yes ladies and gents, an apple pie..home made! It turned out so so delicious! My dad made a standing rib roast, rubbed with steak seasoning and horseradish sauce, it was so delicious. I also made mashed potatoes and green beans. My uncle and his girlfriend came for dinner. It was a wonderful day with family.

As I was preparing for their arrival I decided to shower..of course I fell in the shower and seemed to have hurt myself pretty badly. I have a stiff neck, and weird numbness/pressure along my spine, along with tremendous pain in my neck, spine and hips. Of course unbeknownst to me, my uncle and his girlfriend arrived just in time to hear me scream and fall. Oh joy. But I brushed it off and made the best of the evening! I was determined not to let it ruin the day. I found a new friend in my uncle’s girlfriend. I’m glad to have met her. We ended up talking and sharing stories of our horrible experiences with doctors. She loves my uncle very much and I’m so happy to see him so happy! We exchanged numbers and hope to stay in contact with each other! 🙂

So my dear readers, while some of us are suffering through the pain, remember there is always someone there to help you, to love you. It may be someone you least expected. Instead of focusing on the bad, let’s start looking at the good. We’re alive, we’re loved, we’re supported. In many ways we’re blessed. We may not have good health, or be rich, but we’re rich in love, and support. To me, those things are worth more than money!

Let’s start thinking about our New Year’s resolutions! I want to start making this site more interactive! I want to interact with my readers! Let’s start working together and reaching out to each other and focusing on good, not all the bad!

And the Results are in..Kinda

Ahh..Welcome back everyone! It’s another sunny day here, though a bit Chilly! So last time we were awaiting results from the CT scan…and boy did we get them!!! But before I get to them…like that..leaving you in suspense??!!

First things first.. this week my dad has had off, and he’s taken me to appointments, and Christmas shopping (much to my dismay), yes i’ve been the Grinch this year. I’ve just not been in the Jolly mood. But I’m slowly getting there. We’ve gotten some good presents for my son! He’s going to have a great Christmas! One thing I’m excited to give him is an old Musical Keyboard my sister found for me. I know some may be shocked that’s it’s used, but you know what? He’s 4! So I’m excited to give it to him. He has one at my mom’s and always plays it, so I’m thinking he’ll love this gift! I also got him some Duck Dynasty pajamas, because I’m just that awesome! 🙂 Ok ok. Enough gushing about the Christmas presents. My mom had knee surgery yesterday, and made it through alright. I’m so happy! I’ve been trying to stay active, but the pain isn’t really allowing it. The pain in my head, neck, back, hips, legs, hands is just becoming so much . To find out half of your Femur head is missing…wow that’s a lot to take in!!

Alright my lovely readers, now i’ll lift the suspense! Below are the results:

CT-Hip: Mixed Sclerotic Lesion in Left Iliac Wing measuring 2.8 x 2.1 x 1.8 cm in greatest dimension. Appears Benign, possibly enchondroma.

CT-Lumbar: Mild Multilevel loss of intevertebral disc height. L2-3 broad based posterior disc bulge more prominent at the neural foraminal with mild neural foraminal stenosis; L3-4 mild circumferential disc bulge more prominent at the neural foraminal with mild bilateral neural foraminal stenosis; L4-5 mild circumferential disc bulge more prominent at the neural foraminal with mild canal stenosis; L5-S1 mild circumferential disc bulge more prominent at the neural foraminal with mild bilateral neural foraminal stenosis. Non obstruction 2mm calculus in midpole of right kidney. Additional adjacent 1mm calculus cannot be excluded. Punctate calculus is also seen in midpole of left kidney. Mild Sclerosis at sacroiliac joints, limited visualization of iliac bones.

Bone Scan Whole Body- The Thoracic-lumbar junction has a mild convexity to the left. There is increased tracer activity to the right side of skull.

So… I had my CT scan done December 9th, and was sent for a Bone scan which was done December 16th. Tuesday morning my ortho’s office calls me to come in. So I go in, wondering what’s wrong. When my doctor comes in, she’s talking to me, and says. “have you ever had surgery to your head, or a head injury.” I tell her no. That’s i’ve been complaining for months to my neuro of these weird headaches and pain. She takes my films and puts in on the screen and shows me right there in my brain is something, and they don’t know what it is. She said due to what the bone scan looks for and my symptoms I need a neurosurgeon, and sooner rather than later. I ask her point blank what she thinks.. She says the words I feared the most. She doesn’t believe it to be cancer because it’s not showing up that way, but she said it could be a tumor that the tracers are picking up. So, she referred me to University of Miami Neurosurgery, as it’s one of the Top neurosurgery departments and it’s an hour or so away. Problem is, I lose my health insurance Midnight Dec.31. So I sit here and wonder..If the neuro had followed up on my complaints, or given a damn would this have been found? If it is a tumor, can anything be done??? As it is now, I’m losing my hearing, and my eyesight its worsening as is my speech, and other things. So.. How was none of this found by the renowned Cleveland Clinic??? Simple, they didn’t give a shit! I should be angry, but I’m not. Anger gets me know where. I’ve been set on this path for a reason, and I’ll continue on it. With my same strength and courage, with the love and support of my family and friends. This journey is far from over. Giving up isn’t an option.

Dog and Sunlight= Laughs and Crawling

Here’s a laugh for ya! So I was inside relaxing, since I leave for Vanderbilt tonight and I hear my dog barking like crazy. I go outside not realizing how sunny it is. I’m instantly blinded, dizzy and just dropped to my knees. Now i’m crawling through the backyard on my hands and knees, to get her with my eyes closed because of the sunlight.. I had no idea what she was growling and barking at. So I finally got her! 30 minutes later she’s whining at the door to go out, I let her out thinking she has to go potty, but noooo not my Lillie Belle!!!!!.. Then, what do I hear???? The barking and growling again: This time I went out prepared for battle..I had sunglasses and shoes, and was prepared to crawl again if I had to dammit! I heard hissing and the bushes were moving like crazy all down the fence WTH!!! ..She wasn’t backing down, I’m screaming for her, telling her to come, she wasn’t backing down. She was like “This bitch is mine! Mom” LOL . I finally got her away from it, and in the house. Then she starts pacing the living room whining to go back out and get it. So i’m assuming it’s a raccoon by her actions. lol. Our good little hunting dog! I called my dad and he got a good laugh, though he was glad I’m alright. He said maybe a opossum. Maybe it’s a honey badger?! (for those that got the joke, good on you!) Whatever it is, she wants it! Hope this added some laughter to your day, because it sure did to mine!

Moral of the story: Just laugh, even if it’s at yourself. 🙂 I could have gotten angry, but what’s the point?

So..Who would win??? LOL 🙂

Lillie Belle Vs The Raccoon

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