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The Road Before & After Surgery
February 17, 2012
Celebrating A Belated Valentine's Day!
Mood:  happy
Now Playing: Day 672-The Final Road To Survival

Finally its the weekend! I am beyond ready to get out of this house-jail and celebrate a late Valentine's day. Better late than never and so far it looks like a rain-free upcoming weekend too!

The fur kids have been extremely antsy wanting to run and play outside in the backyard. Littleblue has been non-stop shedding and it would be great to get some of this fur released outside instead of inside on the furniture.

Looks like there will be all sorts of new changes coming very soon! This also includes new neighbors. The house next door is no longer vacant and the new neighbors will be moving in this weekend. I am hoping to maybe have some new neighborhood friends. That would be great and maybe even a new playmate for my friend's son and even a few fur kids for the gang. Its perfect moving weather although I sure don't miss the time it takes to move nor the stress. Thanks but no thanks! Next time this gal moves it will be out of state to Nevada or to the cold weather and mountains in Colorado.

I made good on the promise to myself heading out at least once a week to have some fun and enjoy life. Tonight was the night although it was a very slow start due to the waves of nausea and vomiting. I figured it might be a short night when I was already yawning and getting tired before we even headed out the door. Hahahaha! There are so many new places I want to try up in the Dayton, Ohio area as well Northern Kentucky. At least I was able to visit one of them this evening although it was short lived. I just couldn't get my body to follow my brain and have some fun. My energy ran out after just two hours but "A" for effort and at least I gave it a good attempt! Luckily I still have a few great friends in the city, more than just acquaintances that totally understand my limitations that sometimes happen with my medical condition so we all decided to call it an early night.

When I arrived home the fur kids greeted me at the front door with wagging tails. I had a friend take a few photos of us celebrating a late Valentine's day near all the wonderful cards and gifts I got from everyone. This might be a low key weekend but that's ok because there is always next week to play catch up with living life and having fun! Amen.


Posted by GastroparesisAwarenessCampaignOrg. at 11:59 PM EST
Updated: February 19, 2012 3:17 AM EST
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February 16, 2012
A Lazy Fur Kid Day...
Mood:  chillin'
Now Playing: Day 671-The Final Road To Survival

One would think today was a lazy fur kid day...

Not that waking up until 3pm wasn't late enough but after getting two walks and a defurminator brush out the entire gang was done for the day! Hahahaha! I tend to think this crazy weather jumping back and forth from winter to spring is to blame. Everyone lately seems to be coming down with some sort of virus or horrible allergy problems. My doctors have warned me this is just a taste of things to come. I have a hunch this might be the worst allergy season we have ever seen and if so just send the plane and here I come the mountains of Colorado!

I can only handle so many days in a row stuck in the house so today I ran some errands even taking the fur kids along for the ride. Oreo needs his toenails clipped and since the rain has let up this was a perfect opportunity to visit his groomer. Littleblue is continuing to shed her winter coat a few months early and what a mess! I must now vacuum the house once a day in order to stay on top of the hair. Luckily I have a defurminator rack so every day she gets brushed in the basement. Its a two man job but we're hoping most of her shedding will be done by early next week. I always keep covers on the couch but with her shedding they must be changed also once a day. Its a job! Oreo has short hair and when he does shed it isn't much. Thank goodness!

Jingles puppy gets to visit with the fur gang once a week. He is getting to be huge and now weighs 30 pounds. Its good for Littleblue because it helps to get her energy out and allows for some play time however since Oreo still has seizure problems he chooses to remain out of the playing and instead in the hiding far away on the couch. Oreo will be 14 years old this year and let's just say he has earned his "leave me alone freedom." Hee,hee,hee,hee...The groomer did mention when she was trimming his toenails that he seems a lot more calmer thanks to his new medication. He doesn't have seizures as often so its a good sign! Since I had Drano treatment for Valentine's day the only ones who got to celebrate were the fur kids.

I made a promise to once a week treat myself to some fun and get out to enjoy life. I am keeping that promise and hoping to get out this weekend finding new things to do. Life is far too short and when I have a good day I plan on using it to the fullest. I completed my treatments this week and the last one was finally successful. The friends I have here in the city are fully educated on my unique medical condition and I now take a large purse with medical necessities just 'in case' something happens. My mind is much clearer and I am no longer scared because my doctors have been doing a wonderful job educating myself on remaining calm and keeping myself focused. I hope to continue taking small steps in order to plan a short weekend get away this coming spring. For now I am taking it one day at a time and one week at a time finding a new adventure to aim my sites on!

Lookout weekend because here I come!


Posted by GastroparesisAwarenessCampaignOrg. at 11:40 PM EST
Updated: February 17, 2012 2:47 AM EST
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February 15, 2012
In Memory Of Kellina Angel :0)
Mood:  special
Now Playing: Day 670-The Final Road To Survival

Life.

This afternoon I received very sad news regarding the passing of a life that was cut far too short. It was news regarding the littlest Angel that now is with other Angels in Heaven. A life full of suffering and a life full of courage. A life full of determination and strength doing what so many Gastroparesis patients as well others who suffer from chronic and terminal conditions do on a daily basis which is to fight to stay alive. Fight to live in hopes of a cure.

I have been blessed by those who have allowed me to be a part of Kellina's life. Kellina is a hero and shows us all in life we must remain strong. We must continue the good fight to live! Today February 15, 2012 at 5:35pm Heaven welcomed Kellina the littlest Angel. Kellina was only 3 years old.

The Gastroparesis Awareness Campaign Team and the Gastroparesis Patients online support groups send their prayers and blessings to our dear friend Jeannie & Kellina's entire family who never left her side. May you now fly with the Angels Kellina.

Image of the Angels
You were made in the image of the angels,
and all that was good up above.
A precious little star in the dark night,
Made with God's care, and with his love.


Posted by GastroparesisAwarenessCampaignOrg. at 11:11 PM EST
Updated: February 16, 2012 3:38 AM EST
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February 14, 2012
A Jug Of Dynamite On Valentine's Day!
Mood:  d'oh
Now Playing: Day 669-The Final Road To Survival

HAPPY VDRANO DAY! Hahahaha! For those of us GP'ers who are not so fortunate to have intestines that don't work and are past surgical options you all know exactly what I am referring to! YES! It's not just Valentine's Day but Hell-In-A-Jug Drano day too!

This should be a day full of chocolate candy dreams but the only dream this gal will be having is hoping this time around treatment will work. AMEN! My Gastroenterologist switched my prescription to something a bit stronger. Not quite sure how much stronger liquid dynamite can get but this one surely did work a lot faster than the last six jugs. WOOHOO! (Thanks John for now flagging me on my WHOAHOA typing error after how many blog topics? Hahahaha! Yes. I like to make up my own words!)

Early this morning I woke up to a huge Teddy Bear moving next to me on the recliner. I thought maybe I was losing it but nope, Pumpkin Kitty was doing his best to lay on Mr. Teddy Bear but instead only was able to put his paw on him. Hahahaha! It was a great photo opportunity too cute to pass up! Same with Oreo who is really enjoying the new living room furniture which allows for him to spread out on his big floor bed. Once I covered him up he was out like a light. Fur kids are so much like human kids aren't they?..

Regardless of a long Drano day that included constant moving around allowing gravity to work for me and not against me it also gave me a time to reflect on the blessings I have been given in my life. I am blessed for the amazing love and support from GP family, friends and so many strangers who I now call my friends but also family. I am blessed for those who look past my disability and still open their hearts and share their lives with me. I am blessed to have loyal friends here in the city who proved to me time and time again that blood isn't always thicker than water and have given me wisdom that will last a lifetime. I am blessed for an amazing team of 16 specialists who treat me more than just being their patient but as a friend. They have allowed me to live longer than ever expected by giving me the tools to continue to fight the good fight. I will always be blessed to know for all the times I felt alone I was never truly alone and have the support of hundreds upon thousands of people who truly care. Even those in the city who look out for my emotional and physical well being I just want to say, "Thank you."

To everyone who loves me and allows me to love them back, "Thank you and may you have a very blessed Valentine's Day!" I am beyond appreciative for all the beautiful cards and gifts. You are all the best! May God always bless you and may Hershey find you in heaven today. The chocolate kind! Hee,hee,hee,hee...


Posted by GastroparesisAwarenessCampaignOrg. at 11:59 PM EST
Updated: February 15, 2012 3:03 AM EST
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February 13, 2012
Keeping My Head On Straight.
Mood:  chillin'
Now Playing: Day 668-The Final Road To Survival

Thank you to those who informed me that I had two of the same similar posts. Blame it on the internet acting up last night but also blame it on the Drano. All good now and no, you weren't losing it or seeing what appeared to be the same post. Hahahaha! I went to hit publish and it kicked me back out so I did my best to rewrite it only to realize the blog was on delay. WHEW! Can you say that real fast ten times? Hahahaha!

I wasn't able to finish my Hell-In-A-Jug treatment today but instead earned myself a doctors appointment and another one via telephone. I was highly advised I need to watch my tolerance for stress and do better with stress management. I know my doctors work extremely hard keeping me from getting into trouble and I don't want to make their job any harder than it needs to be. They are also still working to put my head flair up back to sleep. Just because I might have a few good days doesn't mean I am completely out of the woods. I partly blame myself for not walking away from any stress that will only progress my condition. Its tough and each day is a learning process. Yes, I am still learning but no worries I am still focused and taking things one day at a time. What most don't realize is my unique medical condition involves extensive nerve damage. I was told a week ago my condition has progressed and what stress may do to a normal person it does far worse damage to someone like myself. It can accelerate things and place my doctors once again in a quick scramble to calm things back down. I need to always remember its a team effort and I must learn to work with them and not against them. This includes treatment that must continue again tomorrow. That is if I don't have to do another half treatment from not being able to finish the first one today.

Tomorrow is Valentine's Day and although I already had prior plans I must now change them. Unfortunately Valentine's Day celebration will have to wait until later this week but that's ok and I understand my health comes first. Patience. P A T I E N C E. Like I said, "I am still learning."

Serenity Prayer

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.
Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;

 Serenity Prayer: What does it mean?
This beautiful prayer was written by a man named Reinhold Niebuhr in 1943. The words have special meaning to those who are often “looking for peace” at a time of turmoil, despair, or uncertainty in their lives. This prayer has become closely associated with 12 Step programs, offering strength and calm in pursuit of a more stable life.
"Perseverance and successes aren’t born out of good times. They are born out of trials."


Posted by GastroparesisAwarenessCampaignOrg. at 11:14 PM EST
Updated: February 14, 2012 3:05 AM EST
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February 12, 2012
Drano & Key Lime Pie!
Mood:  d'oh
Now Playing: Day 667-The Final Road To Survival

Sadly the snow is almost gone. At least Littleblue and Oreo sure did enjoy running around outside and playing. I can only hope Mother Nature pays us another winter snow visit this upcoming Valentine's Day week. To me that would be the ultimate gift! I love snow and winter but dread the upcoming spring that makes my medical nightmare that much worse. The fur kitties did nothing but find all the cold winter weather as an excuse to lounge around a bit more than usual.

Today is Drano day. UGGGG! I didn't get up until around 3pm today after using my energy over the weekend getting out to enjoy life. It was so worth it but my body was sure tired and needed the extra rest. My blood pressure today has been running low so it was an easy decision to only do half of my wicked treatment today then finish the rest tomorrow. I made sure to stay busy finding things to do around the house so I decided to make an early Valentine's Day gift. Its nice to do something special for someone else and food always hits the spot! Unless of course you have Gastroparesis. Amen! I decided to make a huge Key Lime pie. Nothing quite like Drano and Key Lime although I did have a few lime packets attached to my Hell-In-A-Jug. Even I would never ruin a good pie but darn could you imagine the taste and tart kick?!! WHOAHOA!

At least this jug of liquid dynamite didn't taste like warm plastic so it must be the manufacturer with the other ones. This time I got the large jug instead of the wide jug. Amazing what you discover after hundreds of jugs of Drano isn't it? Hahahahaha! I would love to know how many jugs I have consumed so far over the years but even sometimes life doesn't want you to know everything. Right? Right!

I have been noticing more tremors. I do fine if I just keep moving once I wake up but then at the end of the day once I lay down on my couchbed the motion sickness starts up then the tremors. Now I make sure to keep Mr. Puke Pan nearby! Regardless I am still thankful for being in the 'know' of my GP complications so I am fully aware of what I am fighting as I keep my boxing gloves laced tight! Amen.

Here's to Drano Monday! NOT...


Posted by GastroparesisAwarenessCampaignOrg. at 11:23 PM EST
Updated: February 13, 2012 2:55 AM EST
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February 11, 2012
MORE SNOW=HAPPY DANCE!
Mood:  celebratory
Now Playing: Day 666-The Final Road To Survival

What a great weekend and look at all the snow! It makes me want to do the HAPPY DANCE! Instead I think Littleblue and Oreo are doing it for me since both of them spent lots of time outside in the snow today. The ground is nice and cold which makes for some great snow and thank goodness FINALLY some winter temperatures!

WHOAHOA!

Come on Mother Nature, take those temps all the way down! Real low...Like in the teens! Add about a foot of snow and you will find one happy gal. ME! I even got the ole shovel out and did a few sections of the wheelchair ramp and front porch. Yes. I was being extra careful and used my snow boots. How can one miss the opportunity finally being able to enjoy some of this beautiful snow? Sure. I also didn't feel like falling and having another concussion either so I had a huge bag of salt nearby. Hahahaha! I just better enjoy it now before the evil spring and summer months pay us a visit. My head can wait! Trust me! It can wait!

Today was a time-out day allowing my body to rest from all the weekend fun. I had plenty of things to do around the house and chores to catch up on so the day went by very quickly! Of course once again all good things must come to an end. Tomorrow finds me staring down another wicked jug of liquid dynamite. GEES! Let's not ruin a perfectly wonderful snow blog and think about that toxic poison! This gal is still basking in the joys of snow and cold weather. Not to mention a few spending dollars from the casino gaming board. Hahahaha! What did I get today? Why of course another wig to add to my collection! Hair today. Gone tomorrow. I don't care because at least while I bid it a fair well I will have fun with a few new styles that don't require hours with a blow dryer, curling iron or straighter. That means more time for life.

CHEERS to turning around a bad situation and seeing the silver lining and not the gray kind either! Hahahaha!


Posted by GastroparesisAwarenessCampaignOrg. at 11:54 PM EST
Updated: February 12, 2012 2:13 AM EST
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February 10, 2012
Taking A Snow Trip!
Mood:  celebratory
Now Playing: Day 665-The Final Road To Survival

LET IT SNOW! LET IT SNOW! LET IT SNOW!

LOOK OUT GP & MS! This gal is pushing you both aside and taking over the reigns today! WHOAHOA! I am ready for a road trip and what a better way than in the SNOW!

I just knew once I woke up this afternoon it was going to be a great day and I was determined as ever to get out of the house and have a "ME DAY." I think anyone who has Gastroparesis or heck! any chronic or terminal condition needs to plan at least one day a week to do something special for yourself. We all deserve it! Today was my day and I don't care if I need to bring the house pharmacy with me and Mr. Yellow Puke Pan I am getting the heck outta here! AMEN!

Although I didn't get up until around 2:30pm because my head and GP nausea/vomiting got to me early this morning I still had plenty of time to get ready to head out on the road. It wasn't snowing too bad when I got up but once 8pm hit and we headed out the door here come the snow, snow and more snow. LOVE IT! I don't mind driving in the snow and before I had to resign from my job and go on SSD I got the perfect car for it. Sadly that car now rarely sees the outside of the garage. Until today! WHOAHOA! I should had maybe learned how to use the traction buttons and traction system a few years ago but its never too late to learn. I asked my friend if they were ready to drive in the snow and head out to see if Lady Luck was on our side? They were GAME! No pun intended! Hahahaha!

An hour drive up and an hour drive back with the snow beneath our wings all I can say is it was worth the risk! I had a WONDERFUL TIME! Make that:

AN AWESOME TIME!

Add having Lady Luck on our side and hitting one of the progressive jackpots then you have a TERRIFIC TIME! HAHAHAHA! We only spent $5.00 which was on sugar, salt packets, milk and a Hershey bar. That was only because Mr. GP wanted to tag along. It was so nice to get out and feel a bit 'normal' for a change. Leaving behind all my cares and woes if only for an evening. I had a few head moments with my post concussion and MS but only as expected. I now do better knowing what I am dealing with and its easier to understand the waves of nausea and vomiting that will seize in time. It made taking a short road trip much more relaxing and less stressful.

Would I do it all over again?

IN A NEW YORK MINUTE!

CHEERS TO HAVING AN AMAZING 'ME DAY!' I can only hope and pray that each week brings a new journey of a happier and better lease on life. AMEN!


Posted by GastroparesisAwarenessCampaignOrg. at 11:59 PM EST
Updated: February 12, 2012 1:53 AM EST
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February 9, 2012
Life Is A Constant Learning Lesson...
Mood:  cheeky
Now Playing: Day 664-The Final Road To Survival

Rule #1-

When your doctors warn you to be careful when getting up from a sitting or laying down position LISTEN to them!

Two words for you: FLIPPIN OUCH!

So maybe my memory slipped a bit when getting up off my ole couchbed a bit too quickly then walking right into a large glass dining room table but at least give me a bit of credit in saying I am keeping a closer eye on my blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Now if I could just keep a closer eye on where I am walking. Hahahaha!

My blood sugar still gives me a run for my money. Run for the Hershey company too! Now since my GP is giving me fits the only form of candy I can tolerate is plain Hershey miniatures. Let's just say they are getting old. Veryyyyy old! I tried just taking a few sugar packets and eating those but WOW! do they make me gag! I guess the miniature Hershey's is better than nothing at this point because I certainly don't need anymore blood sugar readings in the low 50's.

Since we are coming up on the weekend and I just finished up two of my Hell-In-A-Jug treatments I vowed to treat myself to a few days out on the town. Also getting out of the house-jail would be nice. Super nice! I asked a friend to go out this weekend seeing its suppose to be much cooler and its been SNOWING! Oh yes! I LOVE SNOW! Perfect time to get all bundled up and head out!

Littleblue and Oreo have already started shedding their winter coat a few months early so its been a job just brushing them every day. Thank goodness the ground is now frozen and they can get all their energy out. It looks like a great weekend for them too! I sure do miss my gang when I go out but once I walk through the front door they are always waiting for me with their tails wagging. They are the best! Aren't all fur kids?!

Wellness Tips we can learn from a Dog 

Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joy ride.
Let the experience of fresh air in your face be pure ecstasy.
When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
Let others know when they've invaded your territory.
When it's in your best interests, practice obedience.
Take naps and stretch before rising.
Run, romp, and play daily.
Eat with gusto and enthusiasm.
Be loyal.
Never pretend to be something you're not.
If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.
Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
On hot days, drink lots of water and lay under a shady tree.
When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
If you're scolded, don't buy into the guilt thing, run right back and make friends.
Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.


Posted by GastroparesisAwarenessCampaignOrg. at 11:59 PM EST
Updated: February 12, 2012 1:32 AM EST
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February 8, 2012
A Longggg....Day....
Mood:  don't ask
Now Playing: Day 663-The Final Road To Survival

My Tuesday didn't end until this Wednesday morning around 9:30am. It was like a nightmare that I hope to never relive again. I don't feel the need to get into everything but let's just say between the darn Drano getting stuck in my upper intestines, becoming dehydrated, a ER visit to get some much needed fluids, waking up around 3pm feeling super dizzy then having a very low blood sugar reading this evening making my doctors scramble to get it back up makes for one hellish 48 hours.

If that wasn't enough I still had to fit in the rest of my Hell-In-A-Jug treatment today. I must start forcing more sugar and more Gatorade on a daily basis so I don't keep getting into trouble. I had a smashing headache caused by some outrageous stress that I quickly put a lid on followed by more Drano so I didn't go from tremors into seizures. Luckily I was able to sleep in between all the bathroom breaks catching up on a few hours here and there. I should sleep extremely well this evening due to sheer exhaustion. I have been keeping close tabs with two of my specialists who are trying to get my body to bounce back a bit with my blood pressure, blood sugar, pounding headache, head pressure, nerve pain and learning to tune out unnecessary stress that's interfering in my overall care.

I have learned from having this blog that there are people who are called friends located everywhere. Thank you to those who look after me and my well being. Most I have never met but hoping to meet a few friends next month as they come in town to visit. I never expect those who don't walk in the same shoes with any disability to understand what its like to be sick so I continue learning to tune it out and looking straight ahead. I have a life and although its been altered due to being sick and a stack full-arms length of medical records and over 16 specialists with medical facts I don't feel the need to continue forcing others to understand my condition. Those who question my specialists are welcome to reading the facts and hundreds of medical reports. I worked since I was 16 years old and paid into the system in order to provide myself some sort of assistance if I became disabled. The government does not just give out disability freely and they take each individual case very seriously. My SSD approval process took over two years due to a mountain of medical records and testimonies from numerous physicians. I would had continued working and did so until it become too dangerous for myself and others. I was then advised by three specialists that I had to stop working. My SSD case was overturned a little over two years later in court due to numerous connected problems with damaged nerves from my Idiopathic Gastroparesis. Anyone who thinks not working is fun or uses the system being disabled as a free ride obviously never found out what its like being sick. Gastroparesis has no cure nor does many other medical conditions that society suffers from but the last thing we need as patients is to be chastised for something we can't control. No one, no matter what disability should ever have to suffer from discrimination. I was discriminated against today and it was the lowest thing anyone could ever do to another individual. I choose not to blog what was said due to others who might get offended or take high offense. I got enough text messages and emails through out the day and have decided to take the high road and move past the hurtful words.

I answer online emails twice a week, those who know me best can vouch for this unless I am flagged on something otherwise. I do my blog on a daily basis even days like today when I am very sick and weak so others can keep up with how I am doing and feeling so I don't have to put hours into being online when I need to take that time to rest. Its also a way for me to heal emotionally and a way to keep up with my progress. If any of my experiences help others then I see nothing but good coming from my blog.

Its been a very long day with a few important lessons that been learned. The main one is finding out that support comes in many forms and from all walks of life. Thank you for being supportive! Thank you for being honest. Thank everyone for being 'YOU.'


Posted by GastroparesisAwarenessCampaignOrg. at 11:11 PM EST
Updated: February 9, 2012 1:16 AM EST
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