Medical Monday

I'm writing a quick update on my lunch break. While I am feeling significantly better today, I've had on-going health issues since last Thursday. Last night, I only got four hours of sleep. I had to increase my Prednisone and that irritated my esophagus. I ended up battling horrible indigestion during the night . Lemon-lime seltzer water and Tums really helped, but it still took several hours before my body was calmed down enough that I could fall back to sleep.

I forgot to mention in an earlier post that my primary care physician has decided not to increase my Premarin. I asked him Friday when I saw him for the UTI check. Even though I have severe osteoporosis, my PCP said increasing the dosage would not be beneficial enough to purse it. In addition, considering the recent health issues Ive had, I'm not looking to change any medications right now! My body needs time to restabalize before I make any changes with medication dosages.

Friday's Fabulous Facts

Two posts in one day. I think that is a new record! I am feeling better tonight, after a rough afternoon. I went to the doctor this afternoon, because I thought I had a UTI. However, it ended up that it's probably inflammation. Since I had diarrhea yesterday morning, I didn't absorb some of my morning medications, including the second weekly dose of Methotrexate. (Mom had that idea...smart mother!) I took five more pills today and, along with the extra Prednisone, I'm feeling a lot better tonight. In other news, I just deleted three states- Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Indiana- from my list. Thank you for the postcards! Now, I need to get serious about scrap-booking the pages.

Awhile ago, a friend sent me an email of household tips. I thought I would post some as tonight's Friday's Fabulous Facts. Maybe it will help the mothers out there who are cleaning their homes this weekend. I have more to post next Friday:

1. When you get a splinter, reach for the scotch tape before resorting to tweezers or a needle. Simply put the scotch tape over the splinter, and then pull it off. Scotch tape removes most splinters painlessly and easily.

2. To clean a toilet: Drop in two Alka Seltzer tablets, wait twenty minutes,! Brush and flush.

3. Put a sealed envelope in the freezer for a few hours, then slide a Knife under the flap. The envelope can then be resealed.

4. For icy door steps in freezing temperatures: get warm water and put Dawn dish washing liquid in it. Pour it all over the steps. They won't refreeze.

5. To remove old wax from a glass candle holder, put it in the freezer for a few hours. Then take the candle holder out and turn it upside down.. The wax will fall out. Likewise, candles will last a lot longer if placed in the freezer for at least 3 hours prior to burning

6. Crayon marks on walls? A damp rag, dipped in baking soda. Comes off with little effort

7. Blood stains on clothes? Not to worry! Just pour a little hydrogen peroxide on a cloth and proceed to wipe off every drop of blood.

8. Spray a bit of perfume on the light bulb in any room to create a lovely light scent in each room when the light is turned on.

9. Spray your Tupperware with nonstick cooking spray before pouring in tomato-based sauces and there won't be any stains.

10. Cure for headaches: Take a lime, cut it in half, and rub it on your forehead. The throbbing will go away.

Friday Morning

I am feeling so much better this morning. Praise the Lord! I'm still easily exhausted, though. I do one thing (like fix and eat breakfast) and then I'm ready for a nap. Actually, I'm headed to my bed now for a short rest...

"Wednesday's Wisdom"

I've gotten a lot accomplished on this wet and cold February evening. Today was payday, so there was banking and bill paying to do after work. As I balanced my checkbook, I praised the Lord not only for the ability to "pay down" my school debt, but also for the chance to use what I learned in college.

From the first time I began exploring my college options, choosing a degree that I'd actually use in "everyday life" was very important to me. I didn't want to attend college simply because it was the path that every teenager was expected to walk. Instead, the Lord guided my steps by providing me with family and "seasoned" friends that gave me wise advice. The advice was the best and most productive kind of counsel, because it was what I needed to know, not necessarily what I wanted to hear. Heeding such advice- especially when it's as practical as which degree to choose like in my circumstance- is what I consider "wise listening."

Thankfully, ten years later, I have two degrees that I continue to utilize on a daily basis. The Lord does not waste any education or life experience. Sometimes His teaching is through direct and personal events, while other times it is through observing or listening to the advice of those who have gone before us. "Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise. Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails," Proverbs 19:20-21.

Vivid Valentine

Even though I can't have chocolate anymore, this Valentine's weekend has been filled with many "sweets," mostly in the form of family memories. We've had a lot of little surprise events. Friday, Dad came home early, so he could work outside. Actually, the weather was pleasant enough that Qavah and I were able to use the swing set. Paul Burton and I spent the afternoon together running errands and going to my fun harp lesson. I enjoyed the brother-sister time we had together. Then, in the evening, we watched another Inspector Allen mystery.

Yesterday, we got out sets of rubber stamps, ink pads, and some card stock. From the few craft items Mom supplied, everyone was able to make Valentines for each other. It was neat to see the variety of cards that were created from just three stamp sets. Mom also made mini cupcakes with pink icing and heart-shaped sprinkles. Since she used a simple yellow cake mix, the cupcakes were not as sickening tasting as the ones you can find in the grocery store.

As a little Valentine gift, Qavah and I got a piece of jewelry. Mine is a beautiful strand of brown, silver, green, and black beads. The neat part is that the beads are magnetic, so I can make it into a bracelet or a necklace by just rearranging, and then touching, the beads together. I'll take a picture of it soon... along with my one perfectly delicate white rose.

Today, we were all able to attend church as a family. We even rode together in the same vehicle. Then, we came home to a delicious lunch. The rest of the afternoon and evening was spent quietly... well that was until Qavah had her bedtime surprise (see Mom's post for details)! It made for quite a joyful stir around our house.

Our family fun is not over yet! Lord willing, most of us will visit Granddaddy and Grandmom tomorrow. Dad and I have the day off, but Paul Burton still has to work at the hospital. I'm thankful for the pleasant days spent out of the hospital. I'm also praying for those who find themselves away from home due to illness or military duty. May the Lord's love be your strength, peace, hope and joy in the midst of the suffering.

Happy Valentine's Day!

"We love because He first loved us."
1 John 4:19

"This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers."
1 John 3:16

How Deep the Father's Love

Thankful Thursday

It's the end of my work week. I'm starting to physically feel better. Since Monday is President's Day, I have a four-day weekend. Dad also has Monday off from work. Qavah is feeling well. We had a few days of sunshine and warmer temperatures this week. I just ate a delicious meal of noodles, meatloaf, and home-made applesauce. I also just finished listening to a meaningful sermon by Chuck Swindoll on Romans eight. Can you tell I'm feeling grateful tonight?

Paul Burton was kind enough to reserve Prince Caspian from Netflix for me. So tonight, Qavah and I are going to watch this movie while sitting on my comfortable bed. Thus, I'm ending this post early so I can go have some sister fun. *grin*

Tuesday's Health Update

I have been very busy the last few days with family events, work, and health issues. I know I'm behind on blog posts and emails. My apologies if I owe you an email! Below is a quick health update. Maybe tomorrow, I can write a more interesting post.

Last week, I began a new supplement. I also had a Remicade treatment. Since that time, I've been battling GI issues on and off. Yesterday, the symptoms got worse enough for me to take extra electrolytes. Today, my abdomen was swollen and very sore. I'm also constipated, despite taking extra laxatives several times a day. I know my bacteria levels are not right. I also have sores on my finger tips and knuckles that are taking a very slow time to heal. I am using liquid silver, Biozn, and lidocaine on the sores three or more times a day. I have a call into my GI doctor and I visit my primary care doctor in two weeks. I like to keep all of my doctors updated regularly.

The Lord has given me stamina to keep working this Winter without any major illness or hospital visit. Praise be to Him alone! I know the Lord's power is made perfect in my weakness. I see it manifested in my ability to work at BRILC. I'm encouraged daily as I share God's love with others. He is using all of my previous life experiences to help others in their time of need.

Wednesday's Winter Woes

The temperature here has been rather cold with blustery winds all day. Tomorrow, the high is only going to be twenty-nine degrees. I'm about to choose a warm work outfit for tomorrow, but I would rather stay in my flannel pajamas all day. I would enjoy the wintry weather a lot more if a big snow storm accompanied the frigid temperatures. Qavah so wishes for a large snow accumulation; throwing snow balls and tobogganing sounds fun to me, too!

If I had any doubt as to whether I could eat tomatoes again, last night's reaction wiped away my questions. All I ate was some sauce on the ribs we had for dinner. A little more than an hour later, though, I came downstairs to show Mom my full-body rash. I actually did not connect the hives to the tomatoes until Mom mentioned it. I did take a hot shower, which eased the itching. However, I still suffered with breathing problems, so I used my inhaler four different times throughout the night.

I didn't sleep well because of the reaction. Even though today was a productive day at work, I did find myself looking at the clock several times wishing it was time to go home. I do not have days like that often and I think it occurred only because I was so tired. I'm praying that I feel better tomorrow, even though it'll be a Methotrexate day.

Monday's Minute Musing

I call this "Minute Monday" because it's going to be a short post. There are other things I rather do than staring at the computer screen. For example, my reading list has grown again. And of course, I could always stamp some cards or scrapbook. Unfortunately, I'm rather tired, so I think the only thing I'll accomplish tonight is to tune and practice my harp. That will be pleasant, though.

This weekend was really wonderful. Even though I didn't feel the greatest due to the Remicade treatment, I did have a fun time being with my family. Our dinner out to Denny's was a very special treat! I had one and a half pancakes and some of Dad's hash browns. I think breakfast food was meant to be eaten for dinner.

At Barnes and Noble, I bought a book titled Multiple Blessings. It was on sale, so I couldn't pass up the bargain. It's the story of a Christian couple that have (currently) two eight-year-old twin girls and a set of sextuplets (six children) that are four-years-old. There is a televison show called Jon and Kate Plus Eight that chronicles the Grosselin family.

Below is a picture of Qavah wearing Paul Burton's gloves at the Denny's restaurant. It was definitely a Kodak moment. Qavah's smile is beautiful and she was very joyful that night (like she is most of the time). My picture of PB's raspberry pie didn't come out right, though. It looked quite yummy, but Mom tried one bite and said it was extremely rich. I was thankful for the food I got to eat.