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.

Saturday's Short Sentiments

It has been a pleasant weekend. I've been feeling better since yesterday's Remicade treatment. This afternoon, I took a nap that wasn't very long but I fell into a deep, healing sleep. We are all feeling well tonight with "nothing" to do. Thus, we are going out to eat and then browsing at Barnes and Noble. May your Sabbath is joyful, restful, and refreshing.

Psalm 130: 1-8
A song of ascents.

Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD;

O Lord, hear my voice.
Let your ears be attentive
to my cry for mercy.

If you, O LORD, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand

But with you there is forgiveness;
therefore you are feared.

I wait for the LORD, my soul waits,
and in his word I put my hope.

My soul waits for the Lord
more than watchmen wait for the morning,

O Israel, put your hope in the LORD,
for with the LORD is unfailing love
and with him is full redemption.

He himself will redeem Israel
from all their sins.

Tranquil Tuesday

Thank you for the prayers! After taking one pain pill at bedtime, I slept deeply until this morning. As a result, I've been feeling better all day. Even though we only got freezing rain (at best), the local school systems and community college canceled classes. Once I found out at 7:00am that I wasn't needed at work, I went back to bed for another hour. Then, I spent the morning straightening the house, doing laundry, and catching up on my to-do list while Mom took Qavah to the hospital for her blood transfusion. They were finished by early afternoon, so we had a delicious lunch together. It's been absolutely splendid to have this bonus day at home!

Yesterday, I got a call from the nurse practitioner (who monitored my Boniva treatments) with the results of the bone density test. It was not good news. The extra vitamin D, calcium, and Boniva infusions I took from September 2007 to December 2008 slowed down the osteoporosis only in my right hip. My neck and legs have gone from having osteopenia to osteoporosis. An alternative treatment to the Boniva infusions is to increase my daily dose of estrogen (Premarin). However, the nurse practitioner prefers that my primary care physician take over this part of my health care. Therefore, I have scheduled an appointment with him for early March.

Lord willing and weather permitting, the rest of the week will be busy, so if I don't have time to post again until the weekend, you'll know why. Tonight, we babysit Annelise and Nehemiah. Thursday, we have friends staying here for an overnight visit. Friday, I have my Remicade transfusion and harp lesson.

Monday's Medical Moments

Tonight, I have a very intense headache. So, I've been staring at the computer screen for the last five minutes thinking that I'd write a post. Maybe it was longer than five minutes. Do you ever click the mouse button to visit a website and, in the time it takes to load, you discover that you've fallen asleep? That is what just happened to me. Please pray that I can get through the majority of this week before needing a Remicade transfusion.

Thankfully, my fever blister is healing. I have some new "medicine" I'm going to start using tonight to see if it will speed the healing process of my mouth sores. I really should have the fever blister better healed before having the Remicade infusion, but I may not have a choice either way. Thank you for the prayers. Please know that if I'm awake at all during the night in the next few days, I will use the time to pray for my friends, family, and readers of this website.

Friday's "Farewell"

The Lord has been gracious in giving my family strength during the busy days of this work week. I'm thankful the weekend has come, but what wonderful memories we made this week with Helen here! It was a blessing to have her in our home. I was sorry I did not get to spend more time with Helen, but I know Qavah and Mom enjoyed her many stories and wisdom. And last night, a mutual friend, Cecelia, visited for awhile to catch up with Helen. However, Cecelia blessed all of us by playing the piano, singing hymns with Helen, and sharing answered prayer requests.

So far, I am doing okay physically despite postponing my Remicade treatment. Mom took Helen back to Staunton today, so I've been babysitting Qavah this afternoon. Thus, it worked out wonderfully that I did not need to be at Lewis-Gale Infusion Center today. I'm always amazed at how God ordains our days. Sometimes life's circumstances remind me to think, "I'm not in control of my life. God has it all planned out perfectly. So, I can and should just relax in His love and care". On that note, let the weekend that God ordained begin!

Medical Monday

First of all, it snowed this morning. We only got less than an inch and the sun is now out, so the snow is melting again. However, it was enough to give Qavah a happy surprise when she woke up. Since today is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, I get a "paid holiday". I'm not sure what's on the agenda for this afternoon, though. I think we need to visit Wal-Mart and Petsmart. I want to take a nap, pratice my harp, complete some Bible study homework, and work on my scrapbook.

I had such a peaceful and low-key weekend. I caught up on some much needed sleep. I also took a break from the computer, so that is why I have not posted in awhile. I do appreciate you checking in and leaving comments.

Saturday night, I attended a Bible study where we discussed Galatians five. Last night, Mom and I watched a six-part movie based on the book Middlemarch by George Eliot. The story line was interesting and held my attention with all of its twists and turns. I may think Life is complicated now, but the movie reminded me that every era has its level of complexity with social norms, ills, and the fight between good and evil.

The Dexa-scan on Friday went well. The front receptionist and technician were thoughtful and polite. Now, I just wait for the results. They said I should get a letter in the mail. My break from visiting doctors is over, though. Tomorrow, I meet with my GI doctor. It's been quite awhile since we've talked and he has a new nurse, so I'm expecting that it will be a busy appointment. Friday, I have my next Remicade treatment. I can't believe it has already been six weeks since the last infusion. So far, I only have very mild pre-Remicade symptoms, with the main ones being painful ear drums and over exhaustion. I'm praying for an easy health week.