Mood:  chillin'

Once again life comes calling but this time in the form of a leak! We had quite a bit of rain the other day. It more like a fast monsoon rain while at the same time the back bedroom ceiling started to leak. Much like last week when my car wouldn't start I once again decided not to panic seeing its just water and a ceiling although thank goodness for having an older home and old plaster walls that can handle the weight of water! Honestly the worse case scenario ran through my mind as I expected the cracks in the ceiling to finally break free and come down with the water. Back in the day I would had used all of my energy freaking out but this time once again I took a step back and resorted to solving the problem not creating new ones. I had my friend-Caregiver turn the water off in the downstairs bathroom but the water still kept leaking through the cracks in the ceiling. After realizing just because the upstairs toilet might not match up to where the downstairs was leaking doesn't mean with an old house there couldn't be an old copper pipe. I next decided to give it a try and had my friend go upstairs and turn the water off to the other toilet and PRESTO! the water stopped leaking. WHEW!

See. Patience over time does pay off.

So its already been an interesting start to the week and this is just Monday! EEK! I finally was able to make the call regarding the new drug my Gastroenterologist has me trying. What it doesn't do for me is actually "work." So far what I have learned from the manufacturer is their new medication isn't really meant for severe bowel dysmotility where nerves aren't just damaged but are dead. Much like many other drugs on the market it takes some sort of nerve fire, function and motility to allow the medication to work. I don't have either so instead of getting relief as the new drug clearly states on the directions I get nothing more than annoying tremors, headaches, head fog and achy pain. Even Walgreen's pharmacy help line headquarters wasn't sure what to advise for me to do regarding continuing the medication. So...You know what tomorrow will be don't you?

DRANO DAYYYYYYYYYYY!

I also need to get myself back on track with a very strict and limited diet. That also includes doing my best to take in once a day at least one half cup of yogurt and a 12oz Gatorade. During the last trip to the store I made sure to stock up on both and bought a few different varieties just in case one flavor doesn't agree with me. It was suggested that I could possibly try half of the self injected dose of medication with my next Drano treatment. Hmmm....It might sound like a great idea but I'm just not sure if I want to attempt it. I have been doing my best to continue walking more in order to help assist gravity to my paralyzed insides. The reactions from others would have many thinking they just saw Michael Jackson walking on the trails! Nah, it doesn't bother me what others think or say. I live for me not for what others might perceive in their mind. Every one has a right to his or her own opinions even if they are clueless in regards to your own personal medical battles.

I got some wonderful photos through out the day from fellow GP friends sharing with me life's moments. Its great to be part of the GP family and also thank you for allowing me to be part of yours!

Posted by GastroparesisAwarenessCampaignOrg. at 11:59 PM EDT

Updated: April 24, 2012 11:05 PM EDT

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Mood:  chatty

If you ask the fur gang all this cool weather sure makes for great sleeping! Pumpkin has even been buddying up with Oreo lately but only because Oreo has been so tired that he hasn't noticed Pumpkin sneaking a spot on his huge bed. Hahaha!

I am starting to do my best getting some additional exercise on a daily basis even with a unique set of medical circumstances. Its not been easy but at least my friend-Caregiver has volunteered to support me by tagging along on the walks. I found out very quickly crutches are convenient but can hurt the heck under your arms. The cane is great until spinal pain creeps up but with time comes pain tolerance. Of course since gravity is better than any drug for GI dymotility problems it can also make you extra tired since GP patients can't eat like normal people. Once again I have been utilizing my Jack LaLanne juicer blending tomatoes, apples, strawberries, spinach and carrots together so I get the best of both worlds. I am almost finished with the new vitamins I started a few months ago. So far no changes that I can see or feel so its once again back to juicing along with my watered down daily Slimfast routine. Hungry? Yes! I have also been craving some odd things lately like Garlic bread, chicken parmesan, pork chops, tuna casserole and carrot cake. Normal foods that honestly prior to my Gastroparesis I would have cared less about so maybe my body is just craving certain foods due to lack of nutrients. I always bring along my huge water bottle filled with juiced fruits and veggies at the park so its not just sitting somewhere at the house. Spring and summer months are the worse time for us GP'ers when it comes to dehydration. Better to be safe than sorry! Same with wearing masks on windy and cold days like today. Who is that masked woman? Hahahahaha!If you think that looks odd just imagine the looks on our faces when we saw a huge Crane standing near the lake looking for fish. The last time I saw a Crane was in Florida so clearly this is one confused bird however seagulls have been making their way up north the past few years as well since Mother Nature is even confused when it comes to seasons.

A dear fellow GP friend recently told me about this latest fad diet going around called the "K-E" diet. I personally had never heard of it before but once I looked into this new diet craze what I did find was just absurd! How any woman can feel its OK to go through such drastic measures in the name of vanity to look good or more like "accepted" by society in order to rapidly lose 10+ pounds is just NUTS! Seems what started in Europe has now made its way to the United States with many women now lining up for outpatient surgical procedures having tubes placed down their throats in order to look good for special occasions. What happened to going on a diet and cutting back on what you eat? What happened to not putting that box of Oreos or Twinkies in your mouth to start with and instead of grabbing drinks with friends why not grab your running shoes and hit the local trails with them? Seems to me society has not only become lazy but way, way, way too obsessed with one person-Themselves. I know of a few people who have undergone elective gastric bypass procedures after being led into the direction from those who under went the surgery themselves. Not only are these procedures which involve cutting into your stomach unsafe but if you would like to become a great candidate for Gastroparesis and find yourself a seat next to me during my next Drano aka Hell-In-A-Jug treatment then you are quickly on your way!

What people fail to realize are the long term consequences that come with electing to alter their GI organs. People need to quit being lazy and finding excuses to drop the weight safely and naturally. Sorry but when you are sick and did not ask for altered digestive organs such as those of us with Gastroparesis vanity is the last thing on your mind. Patients struggle to just feel normal whether alone look normal. This new diet fad is just insane and ridiculously dangerous! The things people will do in order to keep up with the fashion magazines and be accepted by the rest of society is sad. If you want to lose weight and live a healthy lifestyle why not do it the old fashion way called, "Being active, cutting the fat out of your diet and not finding excuses to exercise." Pretty soon I won't be the only one enduring surgical bowel prep or self injections just to stay out of trouble and from becoming toxic. Bypass surgery and K-E diet patients welcome to my world! If you didn't like your hair before no worries, we have wigs for that and I promise you one thing there will be no need to worry about ever being fat or gaining weight again. Drano treatments will take care of that!...

"The K-E Diet: Brides-to-Be Using Feeding Tubes to Rapidly Shed Pounds"

Brides-to-be looking to shed that final 10, 15 or 20 pounds in order to fit into their dream wedding gown have taken a controversial approach to crash dieting that involves inserting a feeding tube into their noses for up to 10 days for a quick fix to rapid weight loss.

The K-E diet, which boasts promises of shedding 20 pounds in 10 days, is an increasingly popular alternative to ordinary calorie-counting programs. The program has dieters inserting a feeding tube into their nose that runs to the stomach. They're fed a constant slow drip of protein and fat, mixed with water, which contains zero carbohydrates and totals 800 calories a day. Body fat is burned off through a process called ketosis, which leaves muscle intact, Dr. Oliver Di Pietro of Bay Harbor Islands, Fla., said.

"It is a hunger-free, effective way of dieting," Di Pietro said. "Within a few hours and your hunger and appetite go away completely, so patients are actually not hungry at all for the whole 10 days. That's what is so amazing about this diet."

Di Pietro says patients are under a doctor's supervision, although they're not hospitalized during the dieting process. Instead, they carry the food solution with them, in a bag, like a purse, keeping the tube in their nose for 10 days straight. Di Pietro says there are few side effects.

"The main side effects are bad breath; there is some constipation because there is no fiber in the food," he said.

Slipping into a wedding gown for a dream wedding is a moment of truth for most brides, but as many say that there is a real fear that it will not quite fit. That's how Jessica Schnaider says she felt with a June wedding approaching and 10 pounds she says she couldn't lose. She was desperate for a quick fix.

"I don't have all of the time on the planet just to focus an hour and a half a day to exercise so I came to the doctor, I saw the diet, and I said, 'You know what? Why not? Let me try it. So I decided to go ahead and give it a shot," she said.

Schnaider said she was never hungry throughout the 10 days she was on the K-E diet, but admits that it still wasn't easy.

"It was emotionally difficult, the 10 days of not eating," Schnaider said. "And sometimes I had to give excuses to people who were asking are you sick? And I was like, 'No, I'm not sick, I'm not dying, I'm fine.'

"I was tired. I didn't feel like exercising. The doctor told me that if you can compliment with walking for a half an hour on the beach, that would be great, but I didn't feel like doing that. I'm a very energetic person, but those days I was a little tired."

Although the K-E diet is new to the United States, it has been around for years in Europe. Dr. Di Pietro charges $1,500 for the 10-day plan, and says the before-and-after pictures sell themselves.

But critics warn that losing too much weight too fast can be dangerous, and it ultimately won't last. Di Pietro warns that people with kidney issues should avoid the diet.

Many doctors also say that with so much pressure on brides to be perfect, it's easy to understand why this kind of rapid weight loss might seem appealing, but might not be healthy.

"If you lose the weight too quickly your mind is not going to be able to catch up with a newer, skinnier you," psychoanalyst Bethany Marshall of Beverly Hills, Calif. said.

Schnaider says that in her case she actually only kept her tube in for eight of the 10 days, skipping the last two because she'd already lost the 10 pounds she wanted.

She has kept it off so far, saying she is looking forward to her big day this summer.

Posted by GastroparesisAwarenessCampaignOrg. at 11:59 PM EDT

Updated: April 23, 2012 2:07 AM EDT

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Mood:  bright

There are days like today in a GP life that instead of feeling like Cinderella I am literally living life through an hourglass...

I was hoping to wake up a bit earlier today in hopes of getting out to enjoy the day. Instead my cell phone alarm didn't go off and if Littleblue didn't wake me up I might had just slept the entire day. I am due once again for my second injection along with unforeseen side effects in hopes of taking a small break from the ole Drano treatments. Since I will be doing my second injection later this evening its important I try to get out and enjoy the weekend! My friend-Caregiver also needs a break although since the cold weather moved back in last night he is dragging. When it drops almost 30 degrees in less than 24 hours its difficult for anyone to adjust to the drastic changes.

I love cooking but honestly I am getting a bit burned out. How soon I forget I have a crockpot so yesterday I made a huge pot of homemade spaghetti with beans and turkey meat. Its far easier for my friend-Caregiver to just warm up his dinner and take left overs to work. Even this gal who loves cooking finds herself needing a time out every once in awhile. It doesn't take long for me to get ready anymore and since I have lost so much hair its faster to dry and straighten. It takes me only five minutes to do my makeup and less is always more then it was a quick change of clothes and we headed out the door!

Since I was living the day by an hourglass I only had around three hours to go out and have some fun. We headed to a busy but local hot spot where I assume since the weather was rainy and cold everyone had the same idea to stay indoors. We both had a very nice time and speaking of time, it sure flew by! Once we arrived there was only a little over two hours to spare before having to head back home where my second round of medication was waiting for me. The fur kids didn't mind us making it an early night. They are used to having someone home all the time and happily greeted us by the front door.

Its the little things that you far more appreciate when life hands you changes on a constant basis. Two hours to have fun might not seem like a lot of time or worth venturing out to some but to me I cherish any time I can get a break and change of scenery stepping away if only for a moment from my GP life. Round two of self injecting went a little easier although I almost got the needle stuck and the burn that followed shows me it might take a few more tries to get a routine down. If this next dose doesn't work my Pharmacist needs for me to call the advanced pharmaceutical help desk so the drug manufacturer can let me know if its worth me continuing the medication. I am coming close to my next Hell-In-A-Jug treatment in a few days so something will have to give whether it be trying this new drug again or accepting the hard facts that for now the only thing to help keep me from getting into trouble/toxic is the ole Drano.

Holding out for hope but expecting defeat...

Posted by GastroparesisAwarenessCampaignOrg. at 11:59 PM EDT

Updated: April 22, 2012 3:52 AM EDT

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Mood:  spacey

You know the story...All good things must come to an end which is why I enjoy my good days because they are slowly becoming few and far between. I have also been humbled more than just a few times over the past two weeks so might as well add another onto the list when I went head to head with my first round of Relistor.

Luckily I was able to sleep in after this early mornings not so bright idea! My biggest fear is not having control over "some" of my medical situations. Take for instance this new injectable medication. After reading page after page regarding use, side effects, patient reactions, directions, etc, etc, etc I decided to give it a try. So maybe not the full dose right off the bat seeing I was initially given the maximum 12 mg dose and 8mg is the basic. My strength to give it a try came from another GP patient who was also ironically given the A-OK to try it for her moderate intestinal dysmotility. Remember...my intestines don't work so call mine severe or more like as most of my specialists say, "The electric got turned off." I went from A-Z losing my nerve function very quickly without much warning and only after becoming very toxic and sick did everyone realize, "Hey! her intestines no longer work." My fellow GP friend was willing to give her medication a try so there was no reason why this gal can't do the same. Call us "Two GP'ers in a pod." Since each GP patient is very unique our symptoms vary and so can treatment. What might work for one patient will most likely not work for the other. Same with medication.

This new drug is called, "Relistor" or more like "RealistSCAREtor!" Hahahahahaha! Not funny while taking it or trying to give yourself an injection in the stomach. I am fortunate to be a very quick learner and although I made sure to read everything thoroughly I am still a hands on person. Give me the tools and I will learn. There are two boxes which are enough for two weeks worth of injections. Just think about it...$779.99 every two weeks to use this new drug. NUTS!!

Rule #1-Don't assume you won't get most of the possible side effects when your body already doesn't absorb things properly. (How quickly one forgets)

Rule #2-No, its not easier to lay down when self injecting into your stomach. Stand up!

Rule #3-If it burns and bubbles you might want to be a bit easier next time with the needle.

And final rule with self injecting:

If it looks painful it probably is!

Let's just say I didn't get any rapid results as told by the booklet or my Pharmacist. I received a heck of a lot of pain followed by the tremors and dropping everything the past 24 hours. What I also got was some serious retaining of fluids not that my kidneys weren't doing that already for me so its been a miserable day. I did earn myself a call to Walgreen's advanced support team since even my head Pharmacy manager couldn't answer most of my questions but what he could answer was why possibly this medication didn't work the first time. Will it work the second or third time even with a higher dose? Maybe. Possibly. This is if I had more nerve fibers working in my GI tract and not just laying there paralyzed. Trust me, my friend-Caregiver would had been happy to try the first go around but even the side effects and warnings scared him the heck away. GEES!

Funny enough my fellow GP friend-Relistor guinea pig did their first round yesterday and within the first 30 minutes got relief but also a horrible neurological reaction which still is leaving her feeling a bit "off." Will the reaction go away with continued use? Who knows since it seems with this new drug there are many "IF'S" to be concerned about while taking it for a short term therapeutic range as suggested by the manufacturer. Isn't that what I was told by the manufacturer who makes my Hell-In-A-Jug? Yes. I lost track of how many jugs I have consumed on a unsafe level. I dare to ever find out the ramifications of consuming such a toxic poison on a weekly basis but sometimes in life things are better left unsaid. Amen.

Round 1 of Relistor which honestly is made for those addicted to opiates or those who have taken opiates long term for other medical problems and have become severely constipated in which laxatives are not enough-FAILED. Was this new drug made for the rare, elite Gastroparesis patients who lost all nerve function with their intestines? So far my gut says, "NO."

Posted by GastroparesisAwarenessCampaignOrg. at 11:59 PM EDT

Updated: April 21, 2012 3:26 AM EDT

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Mood:  happy

Its the start to a good day! Its a perfect day outside with great weather too! Far too nice to be stuck indoors so I vowed to make this a day to get out of the house.

After another ER visit last month my Gastroenterologist suggested I try self-injections using a new drug that just came out on the market. Since my intestines don't work due to nerve damage any new medication that comes out on the market is worth a shot! (No pun intended) Of course my GI doctor had to type up the typical medical necessity and drug manufacturer letters so it took a bit longer than expected but my new medication arrived today. I am used to taking medication orally not via self-injection so its time once again to learn something new. Life is a lesson to be learned and pretty soon my wisdom will out number my age. My friend-Caregiver went to pick everything up and my doctor's assistant mailed me a book/manual on how to use the new medication and sent me a card good for one month free minus my insurance deductible. Honestly trying any new drug that just came out on the market is just as scary as buying a new car just released to the public because there will always be unforeseen problems. This holds very true for new medication since most drugs are now used for not just their original purpose but other health problems. Once he got home with the huge bag of medication I didn't want to read anything because I wanted to enjoy the nice day and not fill my brain with unnecessary stress. The only shocker was the price of this injectable drug $779.99!!! Thank goodness for insurance since my out of pocket part was only $20.00. WHEW! Its outrageous the price of prescription drugs and honestly unless you have insurance who could ever afford taking this medication?

Pumpkin Kitty has been meowing since we got up to go outside. He is the only one of the gang who stays near you and won't take off. He doesn't go after any wildlife or birds but just enjoys lounging in the sun while his siblings take in the sites on their window loungers. I haven't been able to enjoy the park much this year since being sick and my spine causing problems but today was an exception. There are quite a few parks all within a short drive from my home so I made sure to buy a membership this year for all the parks. I am also hoping to get Oreo and Littleblue out a bit more this spring and early summer. They love going to the park but it can sometimes be a learning experience with all the other fur kids being around. With it being such a nice day outside as expected the park was filled with walkers while others were biking, kayaking and fishing. There were four beautiful white ducks all swimming together and very friendly since I am sure they get fed plenty of food from people visiting the park. From a nice scenic view of the lake came a group of young teenagers throwing rocks near the ducks. Since the ducks were so used to people I had a gut they were aiming not at the water but the feathered creatures. My friend-Caregiver thought the same until one of the teens came a few inches from hitting one of the ducks in the head with a large rock. Of course my Motherly instincts kicked in and I am not one to just stand back and not say anything so I quickly yelled, "What are you doing?" The four teenage boys looked shocked to see someone actually saying anything since there were lots of people fishing with their children just sitting there not saying a word as they were trying to hit the ducks with rocks. "Don't throw rocks at the ducks. Do you realize you can't do that in a park?" They quickly turned around as one pointed at the other placing the blame although I was one step ahead and saw them all. Let's just say I fear nothing and no one in life. Gastroparesis can do that to you and if you were weak before getting sick Gastroparesis will quickly turn you into one strong human being. AMEN! Regardless if I have children or not adults should be adults and take action and responsibility to correct children who are misbehaving. If we weren't walking past them I am sure they would had seriously injured one of the ducks who weren't doing a thing but enjoying being fed by the public. Since the Park Rangers were nearby the teenagers would had gotten more than just a verbal scolding, more like a trip some where and not around the park. Hahahaha! Since my friend-Caregiver works at the jail and is a county Sheriff he is used to dealing with those who start off as out of control teenagers who quickly become troubled adults. Not me. I would rather stop it before the behavior escalates. Sadly it took saying something for other adults who were just sitting there to respond. Some even had young children by their side who were watching these teenagers try to harm the ducks. Just imagine what they do away from the park! Sad to see as my friend-Caregiver said, "I will see them down at the jail in a few years due to not being properly brought up by their parents." Sadly I had to agree but if anything by not being silent and once again speaking up it might change the way those around the lake react next time when witnessing inappropriate behavior. The ducks at least swam away safe and sound while the teenagers walked away as expected mumbling under their breath. Hee,hee,hee,hee...If you don't think it feels good to make a positive impact on others and the world then maybe you need to try it yourself one day.

After a nice walk at the park and running a few errands we came back home to find Littleblue sitting on the couch with one of her frisbees. WOW! This is the second time she has literally went up to the hallway shelf and got one of her frisbees down. Last time she actually had it in her mouth and dropped it by our feet. Talking about SMART! Oreo had a great time playing outside in the backyard today which made for one tired puppy this evening. Although tomorrow I must face the music once again as GP life comes calling my name at least today I got out and was able to enjoy life. Its always nice to make some new happy memories for a change. CHEERS!

Posted by GastroparesisAwarenessCampaignOrg. at 11:59 PM EDT

Updated: April 21, 2012 2:30 AM EDT

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Mood:  quizzical

I am rotating my sleep with the seasons but mostly the sun. Now we are thinking of getting better room darkening curtains for the large kitchen window so I don't wake up with Mr. Sunshine beaming into the dining room and living room. At least we avoided more rain so far this week although come summer it tends to be very dry.

My friend-Caregiver is getting their fair share this week of yard chores and projects. Its nice having a home and a large yard but oh the work that it involves! I remember when I lived in a condo and then a townhouse. Sure, I don't miss the feeling of no privacy but I do miss less work that has to be done and yard maintenance. Maybe we all need to have large houses when we are in our 20's when we have the energy to keep up with everything then downsize in our 30's and 40's. Sure makes perfect sense to me! Although my friend-Caregiver had a house of his own it didn't have near as large of a yard as my mine. Now since it is time to play catch up with the landscaping we are in need of new garden tools. Just when we think we have everything we need one more tool needs to be bought. Its been a game staying on top of everything before the truck load of mulch is delivered next month. YIKES! Boy is he in for a TREAT! Hahahahaha! I can't wait to see his face when the truck backs up and drops the mulch on the driveway. Its a good thing the yard just needs a few last minute things done before May is finally here because there is only a few weeks left of April.

THANK GOODNESS!

I am ready to kiss this month good riddance and off to better days of May. Too much has been going on this month. Too much negativity and not enough positive makes for both of us in a hurry to put the past behind us. I won't be looking forward to the heat one bit but I have plenty of things going on over the next four months to keep me extremely busy! My friend-Caregivers Son will be starting kindergarten this summer so many changes ahead on the home front. Its important to instill values and life lessons early. Its important for children to learn early on that although life might present you physical challenges you can still overcome and adapt. Its all about working around disabilities and not letting them fully work against you. Sure, 1 out of every 2 people in the world have some type of disability so indeed there are many children in the world who are raised with someone who is sick but as adults its our important job to teach children about discrimination. Its going to be a learning process for all of us but his Son is very smart for his age and fully aware of right from wrong.

Since the ole treatments continue to present a bit of a challenge my wonderful Gastroenterologist is always on the look out for me regarding new drugs on the market. Last week they let me know of a new medication just released on the market to possibly "try." The only problem is instead of drinking the solution you inject it. YIKES! I have been looking into the new drug over the past week and have my concerns with the side effects and other unknown reactions. The other problem is once again its not really meant for my unique medical condition. They are only hoping it "might" help me a bit so I don't have to consume the toxic Drano on a weekly basis but instead maybe every other week, etc. Another problem is this medication has to be self injected or by someone else in the home every other day. DOUBLE YIKES!! I have had injections in my stomach years ago and trust me it hurt like HECK! I didn't like it then and I sure don't miss it now but once again I would be facing stomach injections every other day?!! Hmmmm....I have researched the new drug and even spoke to my main Pharmacist but even he has a few reservations and concerns. Most importantly is the cardiac side effects and possible reactions. Since the drug is rapidly absorbed and works in a matter of 30 minutes it can also cause sudden bowel obstructions and perforations. TRIPLE YIKES!!! Yes, it just gets scarier by the moment but I couldn't say no to my doctor and his staff who have become like a second family and work endlessly to find alternatives to the hellish Drano jug. Since my doctor had to submit a medical necessity letter for the insurance company and drug manufacturer the medication will not be ready until tomorrow. Will I give it a try? I'm honestly not sure yet. This evening I am leaning towards 70% no and 30% yes. So far I am the first of the GP guinea pigs in the same boat as me to step up to the plate. Remember, I only know of a handful of those who endure weekly treatments for paralyzed intestines and out of all of us I am the only one taking Trilyte while the others have to consume nasty mag-citrate. I feel the spotlight heat on me!

When it comes to my health I take things very seriously! Risks VS benefits is the name of the game. With this new proposition it has not only myself but other fellow GP friends of mine questioning if the risks are worth it?...Its always a gamble with GP and sometimes you win but most of the time you lose...

Posted by GastroparesisAwarenessCampaignOrg. at 11:59 PM EDT

Updated: April 19, 2012 3:30 AM EDT

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Mood:  bright

"Not trying to solve things is sometimes the best way to solve things. The highest form of listening is to just stand back, look the person in the eye and not say anything at all." -Penn

Its been nothing but peace, quiet and zero stress lately. I have been tip toeing around waiting for the winds of change but so far so good. When you stand back and come to realize what might be causing you stress the results might come as a shock. Sometimes it can be very humbling and sad. Other times you might find yourself chuckling and saying, "GEES! Why didn't I stop things before letting them escalate?" Regardless life is far too short and if you can't create a bit of serenity in your life then you are clearly not living. Life is meant to enjoy not walking around on eggshells or grinding your teeth down to the gums. Its the littlest things in life that money can't buy that are the most enjoyable. Its the hardest lessons in life that bring you the most wisdom.

With rocky roads comes solid ground and I am hoping to continue paving the way to a better life. One day at a time. Some say it will take a year to be back on track with life and if so I will learn the patience needed to get there. I can't change tomorrow. I can only live for today.

I came across two totally different stories this past week. Funny how the news can tell plenty of negative and sad stories then have one amazing story. To me both run parallel of each other but each have a valuable lesson for everyone to learn.

"We can't help everyone, but everyone can help someone."

Tiger Woods Won't Help Half-Siblings?

Tiger Wood's half-siblings say their calls for help from the golf superstar have fallen on deaf ears.

Woods' older half-sibling Kevin Woods has been battling multiple sclerosis and is now confined to a wheelchair. He needs a caretaker and is in danger of losing his San Jose home. Kevin's brother Earl Woods Jr. told ESPN's Rick Reilly that calls to their famous sibling have gone unreturned.

"I leave messages. I leave updates on Kevin, but for whatever reason I don't get a response. … Kevin loves Tiger. A call from Tiger would really pump Kevin up. When he doesn't call, it just makes him feel worse," Earl Woods Jr. said.

Woods' rep did not immediately respond to ABCNews.com's request for comment.

Earl Woods Jr., Kevin Woods, and their sister Royce, share the same father, Earl Woods, as Tiger. They are the offspring of Earl Woods' first marriage to Barbara Gary.

The Woods siblings remained close with their half-brother until he turned "about 15 or 16," and his star started to rise, Earl Woods Jr. said. Since their father's death in 2006, the half-siblings have been unable to contact Woods at all. No one seems to know the reason for the rift.

Now Kevin Woods needs his famous brother's help, Earl Woods Jr. says.

"Nobody's asking for money here, but [a caregiver] really would be nice for Kevin. It would make Kevin comfortable. He wouldn't have to leave his house. … But we'd at least like to be able to find out how Tiger is, to find out if he's OK, and to let him know if we're OK," Earl Woods Jr. told Reilly.

Barbara Gary Woods, Earl Woods' first wife, told Reilly, "I'm very disappointed in Tiger. Before he got all famous, they were in touch a lot."

Earl Woods Jr. was more vehement.

"I'd like to [slap] Tiger, wake him up. I'd like to say, 'Don't come knocking on the door when you need a bone-marrow transplant.' To see this is the response we get? Maybe when you see the world like he does, you don't see what other people are going through. But, seriously? You've got problems with your knee? That's nothing compared to what Kevin is going through. Nothing," he said.

Heroic Man Dies Saving Child from Powerful Riptide

A heroic 65-year-old man jumped directly into a powerful Florida riptide and rescued a little girl before suffering a "cardiac event" in the water that led to his death.

Alan Hall went to Honeymoon Island, Fla. Sunday to spend the day relaxing with his wife and daughter, but the day quickly took a dramatic turn.

While taking a walk with his wife, Eileen, to collect seashells, the couple spotted three children playing near the shoreline as a powerful current began to build.

"[My dad] said, 'I hope somebody's watching them. That's a pretty strong current,'" Julie Hall recounted.

Seconds later, the children started screaming for help. Their parents rushed into the water and were each able to pull a child to safety, but a third child, a little girl, was still in harms way in the rough water. Alan Hall jumped into the tide without hesitating, Julie Hall said.

"My dad was able to push Ruby out of the way and towards the shore, where it was safe," said Julie Hall.

Riptides, also known as rip currents, are extremely dangerous channels of discolored water that can form unexpectedly and pull swimmers away from the beach.

After pushing the child to safety, Alan Hall's heart stopped. Nearby boaters managed to get him back to shore, where a crowd was gathering.

His wife began performing CPR immediately but Alan Hall was not breathing and did not have a pulse.

"My mom said one of the things she remembers so strongly is the circle of people around him that all started praying for him," Julie Hall said. "That's something that has stuck with her."

Emergency medics arrived and attempted to resuscitate Hall, but they were unsuccessful. He was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Medical examiners have not yet released a cause of death, but Julie Hall said her father suffered from a "cardiac event."

A spokeswoman from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection said that no lifeguards were on the section of the beach because it is not a designated swimming area. Other parts of Honeymoon Island State Park are open for swimming but only have seasonal lifeguards on duty from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Five-year-old Ruby, the child Alan Hall saved, traveled to the hospital with her parents and siblings to thank the Halls. The family had been on vacation in Florida, visiting from Ohio.

"They were so distraught and they were so guilty," Julie Hall said. "We told them not to feel guilty because if my dad had known the outcome, he would have done it anyway. That's how he lived his life. He would have done it regardless. He was one of those people that actually lived what he preached."

Hall said her recently-retired parents moved to the Land O'Lakes area of Florida from Connecticut not long ago. Her mother is a retired nurse and Alan Hall most recently worked in sales for Frito Lay.

The couple was getting ready to celebrate their 42nd wedding anniversary. Hall said her mother is doing "as good as can be expected."

"I think because she's still in shock, she's okay right now," Hall said. "She's strong. She's tough."

Hall said her family is extremely proud of her father, and hopes the example he set will move others to perform acts of kindness and caring for strangers.

"He wouldn't have done it to be a hero, but he's probably grinning somewhere," Hall said.

Posted by GastroparesisAwarenessCampaignOrg. at 11:59 PM EDT

Updated: April 18, 2012 3:04 AM EDT

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Mood:  don't ask

Its one of those days...Add Drano aka Hell-In-A-Jug to the mix and double whammy! Sara, can you print out each page over the past two years that I have consumed Drano? Hmmm...If you do can you please let me know how many jugs I am up to now so I don't have to keep guessing anymore? Hee,hee,hee,hee...The wonderful part of being a tech/computer geek is knowing how to utilize IP addresses from the web or when you get anonymous messages sent to your cell phone but luckily my illness never took away from my IQ.

So you know the drill once again because treatment day means BLAH day! Line up the ole glasses, get the red Hawaiian punch ready to do shots then chug away...Hit me fast, hit me slow, anymore I don't know which way it will go. I feel for my dear fellow GP friend Jennifer who endures the ole Mag-Citrate on a weekly basis. The fun never ends no matter if its colonoscopy/surgical prep aka Drano or glass bottles of fun-Mag/Citrate. Some how though I tend to believe only the strong get handed down paralyzed intestines. At least its good to know I am not alone. Jennifer is not alone. Jeannie is not alone. AnnMarie is not alone. We are only a handful of those who endure torturous weekly treatments but hopefully in the future those who are diagnosed with Gastroparesis will have other options besides consuming liquid dynamite. Amen!

By early evening I was BEAT but one must keep moving. Littleblue had so much outdoor time in between playing in the backyard and taking walks she was out early for the count! Bear kitty is in this picture snuggling by her head but tends to blend in with the couch, hahahahaha! My friend-Caregiver kept busy relocating the plum tree in the backyard. Its a good thing we decided to move it now seeing the roots were almost impossible to dig up and replant but after an hour the tree finally has a new home located next to the peach tree. Maybe if I get a few more fruit trees I can just go in the backyard and pick my own fruits to juice. Nah, I tend to agree by saying the only ones who might end up enjoying the fruit in a few months will be the wildlife. I can only imagine the deer in the backyard come early June when the plums and peaches will be ready to pick. At least I will be able to catch some great photo opportunities!

With a specialist-free week I honestly don't know what to do with myself. The only one with a doctors appointment this week is my friend-Caregiver. Better him this time than me! I am sure I can find better things to do with my time then visiting my doctors and getting blood taken, scans done, etc. Hopefully this much cooler weather will hang around long enough till the end of the week that way I can get the new patio furniture out and spend some time r e l a x i n g...

The only other thing this week I have hanging up in the air is getting a new hair style. My hair has royally suffered by the hands of Drano treatments and Gastroparesis. I have been taking a poll asking friends if I should keep my hair long or cross my fingers it starts growing back instead of continuing to come out OR go for it and get a new style. The winning results so far: NO WAY! I love your long hair, KEEP IT!

I guess all I can say to that is, "Time will tell" or my hair will first. HA!

Posted by GastroparesisAwarenessCampaignOrg. at 11:59 PM EDT

Updated: April 18, 2012 1:46 AM EDT

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Mood:  happy

Today marks five years since my Crystalblue Angel got called far too soon to Heaven. I still miss my buddy, shadow and Angel each and every day. I miss seeing her bright blue eyes that greeted me when I woke up and when I went to bed. Crystalblue just like Littleblue was my sleeping buddy laying right near my feet every night. Fur kid dedication is something that can never be replaced. I am sure Oreo still misses his best friend and buddy. Its hard to lose a fur kid and that void never leaves your heart. I take great faith in knowing my Crystalblue Angel waits for us in Heaven but its still hard not having her by my side. I am sure the rest of the fur gang agree.

Today has been a very, very relaxing day. No stress, no drama just peace and quiet. No Drano treatment either due to low iron and blood sugar levels coming back on a few lab tests. No worries though, once I get my levels back up and take the necessary precautions I am hoping to be back on Drano track tomorrow. I am doing much better handling the spinal and intestinal pain. My specialists estimated it would take a few weeks to adapt to the new changes and they were once again right. I still use medical aids when needed but so far I continue to hold my own. My mind is strong and focused so there is no giving up anytime soon.

This coming week is the first in a long time I can say, "No doctor appointments or tests" WOOHOA! Finally I get a much needed break! How long will it take before my Gastroparesis strikes my organs again who knows but for the time being I am going to enjoy life! AMEN!! The fruit trees that got planted three years ago will finally be producing fruit in a few months. One of the trees will need to be replanted since it is not getting enough sunlight but the other tree already has tons of fruit buds. I assume that is because it is in direct sunlight so looks like we have a small project on our hands replanting the other tree this coming week. The animal gang at least got to run a bit in the backyard today since the past few days its been too muddy. Littleblue's new coat is almost fully grown back and she looks three times the size of Oreo. One would think Oreo is the puppy and Littleblue is the Mommy. Hahahahaha! We have to take Oreo to the vet sometime in the next few weeks since he started having problems hearing. Oreo will be 14 years old this year so since he is an older dog his hearing can start being affected by age. Oreo still keeps up with Littleblue who is only 3 years old. Hes still a puppy at heart!

Me and my friend-Caregiver have been utilizing the heck out of the DVR recorder this week since all the new shows have started. At least once we sit down to relax in the evening we can watch our favorite shows and fast forward through all the commercials. Whoever invented the DVR recorder one word, "Thank you!" With the summer months and heat just around the corner I am prepared to be stuck indoors since that it is the time of year when my seizures are the worst. Sunlight and heat are my triggers. I sure haven't miss the migraines/seizures the past six months from excessive sunlight but at least I know what I am facing. Hopefully I can keep all stress at a minimum so I don't make things worse for my head. Only time will tell but until then I am enjoying the head-free days the best I can!

Posted by GastroparesisAwarenessCampaignOrg. at 11:11 PM EDT

Updated: April 16, 2012 1:51 AM EDT

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Mood:  special

The old me would have hit the fan once I stepped into my car to only realize the key would turn but the engine would not. Ahhhh...the good ole days when you were young and dumb throwing a hissy fit over the littlest of things. Now much older and wiser than in my hay-day 20's after realizing my car wouldn't start I decided instead of hitting the fan to say, "Oh well. Its just a car. It happens."

WOW! I HAVE COME A VERY LONG WAY!

I made a few phone calls to the dealership to find out when they could possibly tow my vehicle into their shop. Next I made a call to my Dad seeing he retired from General Motors and if you have a problem with your car he can generally can tell you by listening to what is going on with the vehicle the exact problem. I did notice when I tried to turn the key over the interior lights were dim. So were the headlights. Hmmm...I had a good guess but decided to run it by my Dad first. Once he came over we both realized it was my battery which was low however after he took my car up to get the battery tested I didn't realize when a car sits the battery will sooner or later lose charge. The end result: Mr. Hummer needs driven more than two times a week and not sit in the garage so often.

CASE CLOSED.

Since my car needs to run on the road more often and not sleep so much in the garage I had my friend-Caregiver put his car in the garage and leave mine out to be driven. I didn't think we would get out of the house today (me anyways) since it is treatment day but I have laughed and now have come to the conclusion when I mention Drano aka Hell-In-A-Jug on my blog "DRANOARAZZI" comes knocking at my door. Just like the Paparazzi can ruin a celebrities day the "Dranoarazzi" can ruin a Drano day. Hahahahaha!

So once again -not like I shouldn't be used to it- treatment day must be pushed back due to unwanted drama and stress. Yes! the "Dranoarazzi" strikes again. One positive note-my car doesn't need a new battery and after my Dad was nice to come over and take a look at it we could at least enjoy the rest of the day. This was of course after the first half of my day was "DRANOARAZZIFIED!" Hahahahahaha!

Now onto the rest of my day...After thinking through everything regarding having more tests done due to complications with my Idiopathic Gastroparesis I have decided to not have more tests. Why? First of all I don't see the point of redoing tests that have been already done unless the end result will be a cure or treatment that works. Since I was told most likely they could not do anything since the issue with my kidneys is due to lack of electricity-nerves to make them function properly I don't see the point of putting myself through more medical stress. Honestly I just need a break and feel I am coming close to turning over a new leaf with my life. After many changes since fall of last year things are looking better in my personal life and I finally see a little light at the end of the tunnel. So I might not see one with my unique medical situation but I am still in a very good place with one word: ACCEPTANCE.

Later once we got back from running errands and enjoying a bit of the rain-free day I realized that everyone at some point in their lives have decided to play doctor without the degree. I have already run into a few of those in the city who have tried to play doctor with a nurses degree. One word: Annoying. After eight years if my team of 17 specialists including a new one recently added to the group-Nephrologist don't know what the heck they are doing then call me "Flo", "Kiss My Grits" and send me back to the diner. Hahahahaha! I just made that last part up but we both laughed and come on! it WAS FUNNY! In all actuality its sad and disturbing when those closest to you don't believe you are sick. It then starts to not only frustrate the person who is on the receiving end of such comments but also the treating doctors who work very hard and put their hearts into the care of their patients. If anyone believes they can do a better job than those who treat Gastroparesis and other connected problems need to wait until they get their degree and specialty before questioning and re-diagnosing someone.

Clearly I am not alone when it comes to this odd behavior seeing there are many, many people who have reached out to me since I started my blog over two years ago regarding family, friends and loved ones who do not believe they are sick. Even more odd its only limited to the conditions that are invisible. Not those that are visible to the naked eye. This includes more than just Gastroparesis but many other invisible chronic conditions. No. Gastroparesis isn't from constipation. Umm....?????-I had someone try to tell me that. Medical terms are given to the public from health care providers as a way to explain to others in terms they can understand. Dysmotility means=paralyzed. It means the intestines do not move. I don't know when we started using Trilyte which is a surgical and colonoscopy prep as a means for occasional constipation. If that is the case then WOW! MOVE OVER MILK OF MAGNESIA AND EX-LAX BECAUSE YOU GOT SOME STRONGGGGGGGG COMPETITION! Trilyte is used in my unique medical condition and situation because after surgery it was found as well on prior tests that my intestines and most of my GI organs no longer work. They do not move. They "look" great but the nerves have died therefore my organs no longer work/function properly. I assume maybe a garden hose might work better but clearly you can't do that so I must force a mixture of nasty ocean tasting stuff on a weekly basis to keep my intestines clear of obstructions. No one asks to be sick. No one surely would ask to drink this foul, nasty stuff but its called "Deal with it, accept it and hopefully it will continue keeping me out of trouble." Anyone who feels my doctors find a joy in making me drink this mixture on a weekly basis needs to re-evaluate their thinking.

So after a strange but typical "Dranoarazzi" day me and my friend-Caregiver finished up the great "Ghost Adventures" season 1 this evening. Its hard to believe its easier to convince people the paranormal exists but invisible medical conditions don't regardless of tests or surgeries that say they do...BOO!!

Posted by GastroparesisAwarenessCampaignOrg. at 11:59 PM EDT

Updated: April 16, 2012 1:06 AM EDT

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