The content in this blog is based on my experiences and the guidance I have received from my Care Team determined by my individual and evolving needs. Before beginning, trying, or experimenting with anything mentioned in this blog, you
May God give you... For every storm, a rainbow, For every tear, a smile, For every care, a promise, And a blessing in each trial. For every problem life sends, A faithful friend to share, For every sigh, a sweet song, And an answer for each prayer.
This could totally be me some days! I think I could sleep and not care who was in the room, counting my snores. haha Last night I fell asleep around 9:20pm or so and didn't wake up until this morning after 1am! And that was only to get a drink of water and then I went back to sleep, sleeping soundly until almost 8am.
And here I am, barely 4pm and I want a nap so badly I cannot see straight! The fatigue has been really bad since the onset of IIH, the doctor said that it could be from my body trying to normalize my spinal fluid pressure again. When I add on the fibro flare that I'm in and how my asthma is acting up because of the Spring Allergies, its a wonder I'm awake now. haha
Nov. 12: Top Three Tuesdays! Name three songs that you can listen to that get you out of a low point or lift your spirits.
I have blogged about music a lot in the past, I love music and it helps get me out of my head sometimes. But there are times that the wrong song can drop my mood faster than a lead balloon.
The first one is Katy Perry's Roar. This song reminds me that I teach people how they treat me, so I should not be afraid to roar!
The second one is Miranda Lambert's All Kinds of Kinds. This song is about acceptance and how the world is made up of "all kinds of kinds".
I saved the best one for last! This song ALWAYS makes me smile, and this version gives me a little dance wiggle to my step. DeStorm Power's remix, Don't Worry Be Happy.
Nov. 6. Say WHAT?! What’s the most ridiculous thing you’ve heard about your health condition? Was there any context? What did you think at the time you heard it – and what do you think of it now?
The very first Rheumatologist that I had an appointment with made a shocking discovery of my 'situation' (as he called it). I was in my mid-20s and unmarried, no children, and working full time. I was having a great deal of "residue pain" from a severe case of the shingles (that I developed two years before). This Doc explained that my 'situation' was because I was single and did not have any children yet. That my body was 'wanting to become a mother and spend my time at home caring for children and a husband' instead of 'wasting my life at a job'. -Spoiler Alert- He was a bit of a jackass, and I told him as much! That's when he enlightened my poor not-made-for-thinking feminine brain to the theory of my body rebelling against me in this way because I was denying myself what 'should matter most'... At that point I wasn't angry at him anymore, I wasn't offended or insulted... I felt so sad for him and his family... and God help, his children.
Of course I've also had other wild zaney diagnosis/opinions given to me, but this one was definitely the one that leapt to mind when I seen this blog prompt.
Getting back on topic here, after all of my crazy appointments I can definitely appreciate the episode of The Golden Girls in which Dorothy has Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Sick and Tired, Season 5 Episodes 2 and 3.
I am definitely having one of those days! I just want to tell everyone "No thank you, just worry about yourself." I'm not referring to friends or family members who genuinely care about me and are sincerely checking on me - but for everyone else...
I'm fine. Family is fine.
Work is good, just keeping me really busy.
Thank you for asking.
Worry about yourself, please.
It's not that I don't care that others care or I mind - its just.... I don't have time to stop and think about how I am and I don't have the energy to try to put it into words so someone else can comprehend. I just... I do better if I can just keep going. One foot in front of the other, one day after another. Healthy or not - I don't know yet. But thank you for your concern, just worry about yourself :)
This is why I don't purchase anything from the store that I don't know exactly what it is... Also this is why I produce shop with Jennifer and not alone! :)
Every time that someone approaches me about vitamins or asks what vitamins I take, this is what goes through my head. While it does make me smile, it also helps me remember that - despite the nasty taste, vitamins can give positive results.
People often ask me what vitamins I take and when I take them, so I thought I would retouch on the list here.
B-12 - morning (Major energy!! Take that fatigue!!)
CoQ10 - morning (Energy! Take that fatigue!!)
Vitamin C - morning (Energy! Take that fatigue!!)
Calcium - night (and it helps prevent muscle cramps)
Biotin - night (pretty hair and stronger nails)
Vitamin D - night
Mega Red 3 Krill Oil - night (generic)
Melatonin - night (This is what good dreams are made of!)
Multivitamin - night
Probiotic Acidophilus - Is this considered a vitamin? I take it at night too.
Zinc - night (strengths immune system)
Yes, that is a lot of stuff! But it helps me function and move (and have the energy) to work, play with my niece, and actually shower every day. lol You should see it in combination with my scripted medications! Yes it gets expensive, but I had to make a decision about what truly matters to me... And, right now, it is having the ability to life life the way I (realistically) chose to. Although my ultimate choice would be to be sipping cool pineapple juice on the beach of some beautiful secluded island, while my feet were being massaged by hunky men and the shore was lulling me to sleep. Alas, that is not possible... but if it was, with my luck the sound of the waves would just make me need to go pee. :-/ :-)
Anyone else trying to eat a high fiber diet? Lets just say that while my blood sugars are much better, the pain/gas that comes with such high fiber foods isn't so pleasant. PS Thank God for air freshener.
This has made me laugh so many days this week, and I wanted to share it here. I have been going through a flare, like so many others, due to these weather changes. I am so thankful for these guys and their videos, because it has really lifted my spirits.
I have to admit that Jen and I often do this with people we see looking all wrong in public. We don't really talk about how people are, more like their clothing selections. But it tends to go something like this: me: Don't let me leave the house looking like that. Jen: Don't worry. And sometimes it is shorthanded. me: -ahem- Jen: Absolutely not.
Today I am so thankful for movies that make me feel safe, loved, protected, and treasured. I know that is a lot to put on a movie, but the Wizard of Oz is truly one of my favorites that takes me back to those carefree childhood moments. And I cannot believe what is happening on March 8, 2013! I am so excited, I can barely contain myself!!
HOLY CRAP!!
Have you heard?
I've already marked my calendar!!!
There will be a NEW Wizard of Oz movie!
While I take a breath, take a moment and savor this sneak peak of what 2013 holds (movie wise)!
Oz: The Great and Powerful is an upcoming 2013 American 3D fantasy adventure film directed by Sam Raimi. The film is adapted from L. Frank Baum's 1900 novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, and is a prequel to both the novel and the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz. The film stars James Franco as Oscar Diggs, otherwise known as "The Wizard of Oz". It also stars Mila Kunis as Theodora, Michelle Williams as Glinda, and Rachel Weisz as Evanora. The film will be released by Walt Disney Pictures in traditional 2D, as well as in the Disney Digital 3D, RealD 3D and IMAX 3D formats. Raimi's film is set before the events of the the 1900 book and 1939 film. When Oscar Diggs (James Franco), a small-time circus magician with dubious ethics, is hurled away from dusty Kansas to the vibrant Land of Oz, he thinks he’s hit the jackpot—fame and fortune are his for the taking... that is until he meets the witches Theodora (Mila Kunis), Evanora (Rachel Weisz), and Glinda (Michelle Williams) who are not convinced he is the great wizard everyone’s been expecting. Reluctantly drawn into the epic problems facing the Land of Oz and its inhabitants, Oscar must find out who is good and who is evil before it is too late. Putting his magical arts to use through illusion, ingenuity, and even a bit of wizardry, Oscar transforms himself not only into the great and powerful Wizard of Oz but into a better man as well.
Today, and every day, I am thankful for my extended family. Losing my parents has been the hardest thing I have ever gone through and I fear, will ever go through. My Grandmother, Aunt, Uncles, and close Family Friends have been amazing at supporting me through everything - even though they are also hurting. Sometimes we get lost in our own grief and don't see the pain of others... I am so very thankful that they seen me... I know I have shared this video before, but.. today, it is keeping me company in my head. I wanted to share it here. Please pay close attention to the lyrics.
I am so very thankful for Netflix. I know that this may sound a little out of place in my list of blessings, but I sincerely am appreciating Netflix today. It's a rough day, pain and fatigue, monster headaches. Blah. But you know how that is. More specifically, I am thankful for The Cleveland Brown Show.
This show has me in stitches today and I would like to share one of my
favorite moments... that reminds me of myself. lol I did find a better
vid of this clip but I love the guy's laughter as he is recording it.
And the part that reminded me the most of myself was when he steps on
the treadmill and is like "Ooh this isn't so bad"... and then Holt turns
it on! LOL
Day 3: I am thankful for the brief escape that Netflix provides those of us with chronic pain.
