Progress with one of our spec ed kiddos, the non-verbal. He has some violent tendencies, but he loves music. I brought my guitar a Friday ago and I played one song. He signed, "More, please."
!!!
Awesome! I almost cried.
One of the first things I've taught him is emotions on the CHATT board. When he can tell us he is angry, sad, etc., he is less likely to lash out. I guess that's true of us all, hmm?
I'm struggling with the certification thing. I'm so tired when I come home. I do more than expected, and take work home. If I'm teaching, I'll have even more coming home. With CMS and Lupus, I just don't know if I can do it. A bit frustrating. I usually end up taking a nap when I get home and don't get much else accomplished.
Got to let Him lead the way. It's hard. I keep getting in His way.
This year is flying by. I find that I am letting little distractions get in the way of my visits with our Father. That makes me more stressed and scattered. I have a new friend, a bipolar fellow, who is pressing into God and that has helped me to get more grounded. We always have to be brought back, don't we? We let past and future mess with our present.
Exodus 4:2
The Lord askes Moses, "What is in your hand?"
We are led out of bondage, right?
The shepherd's staff is in our hand. No regrets about the past, no fear about the future. Stay in the present with His plans for us.
Gotta remember that.
Showing posts with label health. Show all posts
Showing posts with label health. Show all posts
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Sunday, November 28, 2010
6 months....
...since I posted something here. Unbelievable. I have felt the void. As I've said, FB is fast and voyeuristic.
I've been doing pretty well. How about you?
I got the job at the school, which I love. It's kicking my butt, though, I must admit. Very physical, but I think that's better for me than sitting around all day.
My last bloodwork indicates I'm in a fibro/myofascial flare-up, not a lupus flare. That is good. However, I'm exhausted. I think season changes mess with all of us.
My husband was recently diagnosed with diabetes, so he is finally taking his diet and exercise seriously. He's lost 40 pounds and can feel the difference. Our diets are completely incompatible! He can eat protein, I stay clear of animal protein. I'm supposed to eat the grains, etc., he isn't. Planning a meal is a challenge.
My job is very rewarding. I can't decide whether or not to pursue a certificate to teach special ed. I'm so tired at the end of the day, I can't imagine being followed home with lesson plans and paperwork. In this economy, though, the extra dough wouldn't hurt! The kids are amazing. They told me it would be a quiet year, but instead we got our biggest child challenge ever. A teacher and 2 paras (me and another woman) are the team that works with this child. He is non-verbal, very big for his age, and can be violent. The team works VERY well together. We adore each other and we adore this child now, too. He has made great strides and we get a kick out of what he does each day. Although they said he was low-functioning, he is very clever and we are working with him with sign language and a communication board. He is even using a touch screen on a computer...playing games! What a rewarding job!
Well, that's about it for me...I'll check on your blogs and see what's up...that you haven't shared on FB. What a phenomenon. I need to get back to the spiritual aspect of blogging, though. There's something to be said for a little anonimity, too. Bless ya.
I've been doing pretty well. How about you?
I got the job at the school, which I love. It's kicking my butt, though, I must admit. Very physical, but I think that's better for me than sitting around all day.
My last bloodwork indicates I'm in a fibro/myofascial flare-up, not a lupus flare. That is good. However, I'm exhausted. I think season changes mess with all of us.
My husband was recently diagnosed with diabetes, so he is finally taking his diet and exercise seriously. He's lost 40 pounds and can feel the difference. Our diets are completely incompatible! He can eat protein, I stay clear of animal protein. I'm supposed to eat the grains, etc., he isn't. Planning a meal is a challenge.
My job is very rewarding. I can't decide whether or not to pursue a certificate to teach special ed. I'm so tired at the end of the day, I can't imagine being followed home with lesson plans and paperwork. In this economy, though, the extra dough wouldn't hurt! The kids are amazing. They told me it would be a quiet year, but instead we got our biggest child challenge ever. A teacher and 2 paras (me and another woman) are the team that works with this child. He is non-verbal, very big for his age, and can be violent. The team works VERY well together. We adore each other and we adore this child now, too. He has made great strides and we get a kick out of what he does each day. Although they said he was low-functioning, he is very clever and we are working with him with sign language and a communication board. He is even using a touch screen on a computer...playing games! What a rewarding job!
Well, that's about it for me...I'll check on your blogs and see what's up...that you haven't shared on FB. What a phenomenon. I need to get back to the spiritual aspect of blogging, though. There's something to be said for a little anonimity, too. Bless ya.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Tests
Tests were fine yesterday. I found myself praying for other people getting tested so I wouldn't be too worried. It turned out to be a great day; good reports and hubby took me to health center and out to lunch. He's been a rock through all of this. It's strengthened our relationship ten-fold.
I forgot, on last post, to mention the only thing that really helped me through this: prayer. Nothing else worked. It was through Godly conversation that I got the idea to check everything. Looking back, this struggle put a strain on my relationship with Him. I was just so tired of battling everything.
This certainly doesn't mean that there are no more battles. But, I have this on record to remind me of Who is there always.
I forgot, on last post, to mention the only thing that really helped me through this: prayer. Nothing else worked. It was through Godly conversation that I got the idea to check everything. Looking back, this struggle put a strain on my relationship with Him. I was just so tired of battling everything.
This certainly doesn't mean that there are no more battles. But, I have this on record to remind me of Who is there always.
Friday, April 16, 2010
God's promises
I feel like I've just come home from an exhausting battle. A mini-hell, so to speak. I took great comfort from your comments on my last post. I tried so hard to get the anxiety I was experiencing under control, to no avail. Rational thought, logic, meditation, self-hypnosis...nothing worked. What a nightmare! I'd wake up in the morning in a panic attack every morning....for no real reason. I'd look at a picture and it would touch off some memory...that would then set off an anxiety attack, sadness, feelings of loss. All the things in life that gave me joy were stolen by fear and panic. I ended up taking low doses of xanax so I could just get enough calm to talk off the negative thoughts, the "ANTs" as Dr. Amen, that brain dude, calls them. Automatic Negative Thoughts.
I thought I was going insane. I remembered my mom and my grandmother being anxious all the time and I regretted every irritated thought that I remember I had when they would express anxiousness (which they usually did in an irritated way.) I thought, okay, this is payback for lack of patience.
I decided to go to the doctor and get all hormones checked. My DHEA came back very low for my age; 2 others were high. I have to have another couple tests on Monday, but for the last week and a half, doc has had me on a high dose of DHEA for 5 days, and lower dose for the rest of this month.
No more anxiety.
I had a stressful week and was sure that it would set me off, but no attacks.
Is it that simple?! Amazing. DHEA. Who would have thought? My Chinese doc's been trying to get me to take that for over a year.
Now I have to get through the tests on Monday; a bit concerned, but not losing any sleep over it. Peace in a little bottle, and not xanax.
Then, in retrospect, I felt so bad for my mom and grandma. Mom took lots of cortisone for her lupus...and probably was suffering the same effects. This makes me sad, but I pray and I believe they are now no longer in any mood but joyful!
A couple summers ago, we had to have our backyard trees taken out, leaving a constant barren and sun-filled garden. Not being able to hang out in the sun, I was disappointed. I had a rose bush, Lady Jane roses I think, by my garden wall but they never produced roses. Too much shade. This year has been a bounty. There are even more on this bush now than when the picture was taken.
I thought about God's promises. He doesn't promise that we won't suffer loss, but He does promise that He'll be there with us. He turns mourning into gladness. Whatever has been taken in my life has always been replaced with something amazing--blessings after loss.
I hope you are walking in blessings and gladness, too.
I thought I was going insane. I remembered my mom and my grandmother being anxious all the time and I regretted every irritated thought that I remember I had when they would express anxiousness (which they usually did in an irritated way.) I thought, okay, this is payback for lack of patience.
I decided to go to the doctor and get all hormones checked. My DHEA came back very low for my age; 2 others were high. I have to have another couple tests on Monday, but for the last week and a half, doc has had me on a high dose of DHEA for 5 days, and lower dose for the rest of this month.
No more anxiety.
I had a stressful week and was sure that it would set me off, but no attacks.
Is it that simple?! Amazing. DHEA. Who would have thought? My Chinese doc's been trying to get me to take that for over a year.
Now I have to get through the tests on Monday; a bit concerned, but not losing any sleep over it. Peace in a little bottle, and not xanax.
Then, in retrospect, I felt so bad for my mom and grandma. Mom took lots of cortisone for her lupus...and probably was suffering the same effects. This makes me sad, but I pray and I believe they are now no longer in any mood but joyful!
A couple summers ago, we had to have our backyard trees taken out, leaving a constant barren and sun-filled garden. Not being able to hang out in the sun, I was disappointed. I had a rose bush, Lady Jane roses I think, by my garden wall but they never produced roses. Too much shade. This year has been a bounty. There are even more on this bush now than when the picture was taken.
I thought about God's promises. He doesn't promise that we won't suffer loss, but He does promise that He'll be there with us. He turns mourning into gladness. Whatever has been taken in my life has always been replaced with something amazing--blessings after loss.
I hope you are walking in blessings and gladness, too.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Why? Why??
I don't know why I hang on the facebook thing. It's like voyeurism...a quick peek at everyone's life.
This takes more work. I've already talked about it, but maybe I'm getting lazy in my old age.
I've applied and been accepted in an alternative certification process for special ed. I'll eventually get certified to teach art...that should be easy, but the special ed kids just pull at my heart. I overheard some teachers complaining about one of my kiddos the other day, and it really stabbed at me. I'm subbing for a long period for a teacher who is out with an injury. I'll be replaced after I'm there close to 30 days for a certified special ed sub because I'm not "highly qualified" yet. Good luck is all I can say to that sub. I've known the kids I'm working with for 4 years. I'm worried about when they have a stranger with them. It's been hard enough without their regular teacher that they've known even longer than me.
Spent a night and a day in the hospital being poked and prodded after a suspected TIA; my regular Dr. thinks it is a sciatic thing. I lost almost all sensation in a leg. Kinda freaked me out and made me reconsider working full time. It seems my working has just been interupted with family and me being sick...my dad was in the hospital for gallbladder removal a month or so ago. I spent a week up in his neck of the woods bouncing back and forth between the hospital and making sure my step mom was okay with home health care.
I'm on prednisone and fighting every impulse to eat anything that comes my way. Chocolate...fear me!! It's just a short course, so hopefully the damage won't be done too much.
Getting older is freaky. I've gotten so much joy out of working with these kids, the days fly by. It won't be easy, but we'll see where God is leading.
I have a few hospital stories to share...both from my dad's stay, and mine. God made Himself known both places! Next time! :-)
This takes more work. I've already talked about it, but maybe I'm getting lazy in my old age.
I've applied and been accepted in an alternative certification process for special ed. I'll eventually get certified to teach art...that should be easy, but the special ed kids just pull at my heart. I overheard some teachers complaining about one of my kiddos the other day, and it really stabbed at me. I'm subbing for a long period for a teacher who is out with an injury. I'll be replaced after I'm there close to 30 days for a certified special ed sub because I'm not "highly qualified" yet. Good luck is all I can say to that sub. I've known the kids I'm working with for 4 years. I'm worried about when they have a stranger with them. It's been hard enough without their regular teacher that they've known even longer than me.
Spent a night and a day in the hospital being poked and prodded after a suspected TIA; my regular Dr. thinks it is a sciatic thing. I lost almost all sensation in a leg. Kinda freaked me out and made me reconsider working full time. It seems my working has just been interupted with family and me being sick...my dad was in the hospital for gallbladder removal a month or so ago. I spent a week up in his neck of the woods bouncing back and forth between the hospital and making sure my step mom was okay with home health care.
I'm on prednisone and fighting every impulse to eat anything that comes my way. Chocolate...fear me!! It's just a short course, so hopefully the damage won't be done too much.
Getting older is freaky. I've gotten so much joy out of working with these kids, the days fly by. It won't be easy, but we'll see where God is leading.
I have a few hospital stories to share...both from my dad's stay, and mine. God made Himself known both places! Next time! :-)
Monday, March 16, 2009
Update
Well, my chiropractor never got back with me...and I haven't called him back. I don't want to mess with someone who is not committed, you know what I mean? I'm taking all the steps that I knew he'd prescribe anyway, except I'm not close to giving up chicken or fish.
I've been juicing every day. Connie is too, and we can bounce recipes back and forth...I pretty much stick to an anti-inflammatory recipe with ginger for arthritis. I also drink Pau d'arco tea with....100% organic catnip added. You heard me. I'm tellin' you, it is a safe and relaxing herb--unless I am allergic to it. So far, so good. I researched it mahself. Pain relief without the side effects...and my hands are feeling normal. I've also lost about 5 pounds.
I walk a mile a day.
I'm cleaning up my stinkin' thinkin' and looking forward, and laughing when it's hard to physically move forward.
So much to be grateful for, so many blessings. Gives me energy to be praying for my stepmom, brother, Ann, Bob, Barbara, Keven, Paige and hubby, and all of you who mean so much to me.
I've been juicing every day. Connie is too, and we can bounce recipes back and forth...I pretty much stick to an anti-inflammatory recipe with ginger for arthritis. I also drink Pau d'arco tea with....100% organic catnip added. You heard me. I'm tellin' you, it is a safe and relaxing herb--unless I am allergic to it. So far, so good. I researched it mahself. Pain relief without the side effects...and my hands are feeling normal. I've also lost about 5 pounds.
I walk a mile a day.
I'm cleaning up my stinkin' thinkin' and looking forward, and laughing when it's hard to physically move forward.
So much to be grateful for, so many blessings. Gives me energy to be praying for my stepmom, brother, Ann, Bob, Barbara, Keven, Paige and hubby, and all of you who mean so much to me.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Monday stuff
I got my bloodwork back last week. It looks better than it has in a long time, so I was wondering why I feel so bad. ANA has been 1:1200 for the last year and a half, which is way, way high...last one was 1:160. Much better. Low inflammation. My joints are worse, even, than my tissue pain. My wrists keep giving out. I've been exercising more, and my feet hurt. I thought, I'm not sure 20 more years of this is worth it.
It's been kind of depressing. I've upped many supplements and my energy has improved immensely, hence the exercise--which could be the pain cause. I've had to restrain a kid a couple of times, and had no problem during or after...but suddenly something changed.
I decided to go to the chiropractor this afternoon and work my way through doctors. I didn't plan on saying much...he's a great chiro and all, but never really impressed with me much. Except today. He told me he'd been at a conference about autoimmune processes and wondered if I'd like to be a guinea pig....just his cost for the supplements. Anyway, long story short...EVERYTHING he told me lined up with my inner voice telling me what I needed to do--today I have just had liquid smoothies and a veggie soup that I concocted. He tested me for allergies and, amazingly, I'm not allergic to things that I used to be allergic to. 30 day trial and not a lot of cost.
I had prayed this morning for SOMETHING, ANYBODY to listen and help me out here.
I hope this was an answer.
It's been kind of depressing. I've upped many supplements and my energy has improved immensely, hence the exercise--which could be the pain cause. I've had to restrain a kid a couple of times, and had no problem during or after...but suddenly something changed.
I decided to go to the chiropractor this afternoon and work my way through doctors. I didn't plan on saying much...he's a great chiro and all, but never really impressed with me much. Except today. He told me he'd been at a conference about autoimmune processes and wondered if I'd like to be a guinea pig....just his cost for the supplements. Anyway, long story short...EVERYTHING he told me lined up with my inner voice telling me what I needed to do--today I have just had liquid smoothies and a veggie soup that I concocted. He tested me for allergies and, amazingly, I'm not allergic to things that I used to be allergic to. 30 day trial and not a lot of cost.
I had prayed this morning for SOMETHING, ANYBODY to listen and help me out here.
I hope this was an answer.
Friday, February 22, 2008
Happening Ramblings....
2.23.08 update: I'm back! Barbara, sorry...I'm NOT takin' that stuff again. I could sell it on the street and fund Michael's college. Just kidding. I am very sensitive to medicines, so I'm limited on what I can take...guess that's why I started with the alternative stuff. Thanks to all of you for your kind comments. I feel pretty good today, so am painting an accent wall in my bedroom. Hope you all have a terrific weekend!
This will put a smile on your face:
Iraq dog saved by St. Pete Beach Marine gets a home - Bay News 9
2:45 pm update: Arrghhh! I've lost a whole day with being loopy with this drug! When will I learn?? I'm woozy and kind of nauseous...and I still hurt! Has anyone else tried Lyrica?
I've been here and there for a week or so. Right now, I'm not sure where I am. Went back to D.O. and they are checking my thyroid. We can't figure out if the lupus is still flaring, or it's the fibromyalgia. I'm just tired of them both.
He's got me trying Lyrica for the fibro, the Lyrica is a drug for nerve pain. They are finding that the pain of fibro starts in the brain...it's an abnormal brain reaction that cycles pain impulses round and round again. Lyrica is for neuropathy pain and shingle pain, but has been approved for fibro use.
All I know is every inch of my skin and muscle hurt all the time. No pity please...I'm used to it, but I get a little depressed when some of the pain is aleviated via scary drug usage when I want to FIND OUT WHAT CAUSES it and stop it! I know a lot of you can relate.
I woke up this morning with about 15% less pain, not really significant. I think he wants to see what is caused by fibro, and what is lupus. I wanted him to just check my ANA and see if the numbers went down or not. He didn't.
SO...I took that med last night, and I'll give it the ol' college try for a week...maybe. I'm so loopy now, I'm not sure. I could go back to sleep in a second. I don't know. Why don't we try to solve the cause, instead of putting a temporary bandaid over the illness?
The stuff that my Chinese doc gave me has definitely caused a feeling of well being, and I showed all of it to my D.O. He doesn't have a problem with any of it except the supplement with some DHEA in it. I did some research and a small amount of DHEA is supposedly helping Lupus patients; the problem is it has to be monitored greatly. OR the FDA and physicians are afraid something might cure a disease, and where would the monetary gain be there? Cynical, ain't I?
I'm in a quandry about what to do. My mood has been great as of late. That joy of the Lord thing really helps--and it's stayed! I worry less, I fear not. It's a happy place to be and I like it. I just keep expecting it to flow over physically and it hasn't. My right hip is causing me multitudes of problems, and my left seems to be wanting to be like my right. I have to literally pick my legs up to get into my car.
On the Robert side, we're having a blast. I'm so proud of who he has become, so responsible, disciplined, helpful, and respectful. He is in awe of his boy. We're all going out to dinner tonight, and he leaves Monday a.m. for Korea. It's been a great visit.
I haven't mentioned this, but if you haven't thought about adopting a soldier that is not receiving mail or care packages, please do. Google American Red Cross, Soldier Angels, whatever. You can't believe how good it feels to send a package that you KNOW will make a difference to some guy or gal over there that otherwise would be getting very little to nothing. It's like Christmas all over, for real. Try it. We're not sacrificing a thing here at home for this war. No matter how you feel about it...it's happening and our kids are over there...and some are coming home wounded, with terrible losses. And we go about our business like nothing has happened. Make a difference.
http://www.adoptasoldier.com/
http://www.soldiersangels.com/
I'm going to walk the dog now. I think.
This will put a smile on your face:
Iraq dog saved by St. Pete Beach Marine gets a home - Bay News 9
2:45 pm update: Arrghhh! I've lost a whole day with being loopy with this drug! When will I learn?? I'm woozy and kind of nauseous...and I still hurt! Has anyone else tried Lyrica?
I've been here and there for a week or so. Right now, I'm not sure where I am. Went back to D.O. and they are checking my thyroid. We can't figure out if the lupus is still flaring, or it's the fibromyalgia. I'm just tired of them both.
He's got me trying Lyrica for the fibro, the Lyrica is a drug for nerve pain. They are finding that the pain of fibro starts in the brain...it's an abnormal brain reaction that cycles pain impulses round and round again. Lyrica is for neuropathy pain and shingle pain, but has been approved for fibro use.
All I know is every inch of my skin and muscle hurt all the time. No pity please...I'm used to it, but I get a little depressed when some of the pain is aleviated via scary drug usage when I want to FIND OUT WHAT CAUSES it and stop it! I know a lot of you can relate.
I woke up this morning with about 15% less pain, not really significant. I think he wants to see what is caused by fibro, and what is lupus. I wanted him to just check my ANA and see if the numbers went down or not. He didn't.
SO...I took that med last night, and I'll give it the ol' college try for a week...maybe. I'm so loopy now, I'm not sure. I could go back to sleep in a second. I don't know. Why don't we try to solve the cause, instead of putting a temporary bandaid over the illness?
The stuff that my Chinese doc gave me has definitely caused a feeling of well being, and I showed all of it to my D.O. He doesn't have a problem with any of it except the supplement with some DHEA in it. I did some research and a small amount of DHEA is supposedly helping Lupus patients; the problem is it has to be monitored greatly. OR the FDA and physicians are afraid something might cure a disease, and where would the monetary gain be there? Cynical, ain't I?
I'm in a quandry about what to do. My mood has been great as of late. That joy of the Lord thing really helps--and it's stayed! I worry less, I fear not. It's a happy place to be and I like it. I just keep expecting it to flow over physically and it hasn't. My right hip is causing me multitudes of problems, and my left seems to be wanting to be like my right. I have to literally pick my legs up to get into my car.
On the Robert side, we're having a blast. I'm so proud of who he has become, so responsible, disciplined, helpful, and respectful. He is in awe of his boy. We're all going out to dinner tonight, and he leaves Monday a.m. for Korea. It's been a great visit.
I haven't mentioned this, but if you haven't thought about adopting a soldier that is not receiving mail or care packages, please do. Google American Red Cross, Soldier Angels, whatever. You can't believe how good it feels to send a package that you KNOW will make a difference to some guy or gal over there that otherwise would be getting very little to nothing. It's like Christmas all over, for real. Try it. We're not sacrificing a thing here at home for this war. No matter how you feel about it...it's happening and our kids are over there...and some are coming home wounded, with terrible losses. And we go about our business like nothing has happened. Make a difference.
http://www.adoptasoldier.com/
http://www.soldiersangels.com/
I'm going to walk the dog now. I think.
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