Thursday, October 30, 2008

The colors of the rainbow

Avery's eye is healing nicely. It is every color of the rainbow, however. We go tomorrow to have his stitches removed. I had my cardiology appointment on Tuesday. I have a follow up appointment to go over the results next Friday. We can't wait to trick-or-treat tomorrow. I am still feeling about the same. I am just taking it day by day. The doctor said it would take six months for every thing to work. So I will continue to wait and pray and trust the Lord that all will go well.

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Carving Pumpkins!

Tonight we carved our Pumpkins. Ayden realy liked getting all the gooie stuff out from the inside of the pumpkins. This is an exciting time to whatch the boys enjoy all of the activities of the holidays.


Our first big booboo!


I was at work on Monday when I get a call from Robbie. Let me explain something about Robbie. If I ask him, "do the boys feel warm to you?". "No", will be his response and they will have a temp of 103 or so. So when I get this phone call from Robbie when I am at work, he is on the other end and he tells me that Avery has busted open his head and it is really bad. For Robbie to say it is bad, I start to panic. Where I work, we can do stitches, but we don't have much pain medication. A girl that works with me reminds me that if I send him to the E.R., I don't know who will be there to sow him up and they may not do a good job. His scare will then look ugly for life. So Robbie brought Avery to my office and we decided to do the stitches there with minimal pain medication. God must have heard my prayers as I began to pray, because the minute I hung up the phone with Robbie, the best doctor in our practice, who was not suppose to still be there because it was then after business hours, walks through the doors, I asked him if he would stay to stitch up my son's head?. He said he would be glad to. It took an hour and a half and 14 stitches with only topical lidocain to stitch up Avery's head. He cried during the irrigation and when they were giving him the lidocain sticks to numb the sight but other than that he did very well. I am so proud of him. It was very traumatic for all of us.

Monday, October 27, 2008

A Positive Spirit


After coming back from Atlanta and having all of these medications and a whole new diet to try, I was feeling, actually, really bad. One of the worst weeks I had had in a while. I decided I was going to try to change my mind set and see if I could trick my body into feeling any better. It has helped some, but not a whole lot. The sharp pain in my head is gone, but there is a lot of pressure in my head. I feel very nauseated all the time. I am very tired. I can't eat very much. I feel like I am in a fog. And I am having new symptoms. I am going to give it a little time, to see if maybe these are symptoms of the medications and detox from the diet change but if things don't get better, we may need to take another trip to Atlanta. I am going to continue the positive spirit, because I miss my family and I am beginning to hate my bed.

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Pumpkin Patch

We took the boys to a pumpkin patch today. Robbie had the day off from work which was a nice surprise. I was not feeling well but I put on a smile for the sake of the boys. It was the first year that Ayden could enjoy the pumpkin patch. The boys found their favorite pumpkins. We went out to lunch after wards. The boys wore their Halloween shirts. Here are some picturs for you to enjoy.


The verdict is in!

Well we are back from Atlanta and we have some answers. A lot is what we already know. The doctor up there says I am tested out, meaning he does not want to run any more tests on me at this time. We took all of my test results with me and he was able to draw a conclusion from those. He ruled out M.S. by looking at My first and last MRIs. Because there was no significant changes in the lesions, I don't have M.S. That is good news. He says I have Basilar Hemiplegic Migrains. I have about 7 new medications I have to take and a total life style change I have to make. Basically I have been eating a lot of the wrong things my whole life. He gave us a list of foods to limit and a list of foods to avoid. There is also a book we have to read. It will take at least 6 months to turn things around completely. We will see. He also gave me pain medication I can take when I have a headache which I have never had before. The doctor agrees with my local neurologist, so that was encouraging. It will take some time for me to feel better, but we are willing to work hard and try the new medications and the new diet.

Monday, October 20, 2008

Atlanta, Here we come!


We leave today for Atlanta. My mom will be coming over to sit with the boys after she gets off from work. She will spend the night at our house. We will head up to Atlanta around 4 this afternoon and spend the night. My doctor's appointment is at 8:20 on Tuesday morning. I have to arrive 30 minutes prior. I have mixed feelings. Excited that the appointment is finally here, but nervous I won't find the answers I need. I don't think I will stay up in Atlanta. I think this is an initial doctor's visit and they will schedule me to come back at a later date for any additional testing needed. But you never know, so I packed a few extra pairs of underwear just in case. LOL We will let people know as soon as we know something.

Saturday, October 18, 2008

One test down, One test to go!!!

Well, the colonoscopy is over. Everything went well. The prep the night before was not so fun, but the procedure went just fine. The doctor, talked with Robbie afterwards and there was no significant findings. He took biopsies just in case and we won't know the results of those for a while. If I can ever recommend a Gastroenterologist, I would recommend the one that Robbie and I go to see. He is so nice and very thorough. Next on our agenda is Atlanta. We leave on Monday afternoon. Don't know what to expect. Thank you all for your prayers. They are all, very much felt.

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Here we go AGAIN!!!

I had been feeling some funny beating of my heart for a little while. Kind of brushed it off. Then I realized that my family has a history of heart disease. So I talked to Robbie about my concern. As you all know, Robbie works for a cardiologist. Robbie brought home a heart event monitor. It is a monitor that you wear for 24 hours. Then, a reading is printed out for the doctor to read. I have had several EKGs done in the hospital. But those are very short tests and I don't feel this funny beating all the time, so the heart monitor is a better test for me. Robbie turned in my monitor on Monday and received the read out on Tuesday. And sure enough, it showed some abnormalities. I didn't get too worried because it could have been the way we applied the monitor, or we could have been looking at the print out wrong. Little did we know, that the tech who reads the monitors submitted a copy of the read out to Robbie's doctor. I have to get in for a doctor's visit because my heart is doing something funky. Any more problems with me???? It could explain the headaches but that is still a long shot. If my heart is not pumping like it should, then the proper amount of blood and oxygen may not be getting to my brain and could be causing the headaches. We will see? At this point I just want a cause of my headaches so we can seek a treatment and I can get better.

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Please begin to Pray!


I am not too sure how many people actually read my blog, but to those who do, I want to ask you to start praying. Friday is my colonoscopy, and I am nervous any time I have to be put to sleep. And Monday we leave for Atlanta. Please pray, first of all, that my boys will feel comfortable. They will have their Nana with them through both events. They love spending time with her, but they still know something is up and tend to become very winy and clinging. Pray for my mom as she cares for them that she will have strength. It's not easy to take care of 2 energetic little boys when you are not use to doing it on a regular basis. And finally, please pray for answers and treatment when we go to Atlanta, so we can finally move on. Pray for traveling safety and financial funds as we don't really have the money for gas, food and a hotel in Atlanta. God always provides. Thank you and I will keep you all updated as I have information.

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Special moments!


We have always taught our boys to pray before each meal. Not too long ago, Ayden started to catch on. Avery says the prayer that was made famous by Boz The Bear, " Thank you God as this day begins, for my family and my friends. Taking time to sit and pray. Thank you God for this great day. Bless this food to our body. AMEN". And everyone in the room has to say AMEN. Avery has been doing well with praying, closing his eyes, bowing his head, folding his hands. Ayden has just recently learned to bow his head, fold his hands and close his eyes. Every now and then, Ayden will peak. If he sees you looking around or moving, he will say "Momma" or "Daddy", to let us know that we aren't doing it correctly. Ayden tries to pray himself, but only mumbles come out.

Monday, October 13, 2008

On a positive note!

I was reading over my blog and realized that most everything I have written is depressing. I want to appologize. It's just that my illness seems to consume my life right now. It's all I can do to make it through just one day. I am sorry for being such a downer. The boys are doing great. Their birthday is coming up soon. Avery will be 4 and Ayden will be 2. Their birthday's are only 4 days apart and we are planning a BIG double birthday party. Avery can not wait. Avery keeps us laughing every day. He says some of the cutest things. He is very out going, just like his momma. It took him a while to adjust, but he now loves school. He is so smart. I feel bad, because I know the reason Avery is so bright is because I spent so much time with him when he was younger. Ayden seems to be a bit more behind, developmentally than Avery and I know it is because I couldn't spend the quality time Ayden needed when he was younger. Avery was potty trained at the age Ayden is now. Ayden can't even say pee-pee and has no interest in potty training right now. Ayden is finally starting to talk. He keeps us on our toes. I have never known a 2 year old who doesn't like toys. If you haven't seen Ayden in a while, you can bet he is probably playing in the toilet. He is more content playing with things he shouldn't be playing with than any toy. He tries to keep up with his big brother. They are doing great playing together. I hope the closeness between the two of them continues forever. Hopefully this entry will end on a better note :)

One Week and Counting!!

I have tried so hard for the last year and a half plus, to keep my spirits up, no matter how bad I feel. Over the weekend, I had a couple of break downs. There are days that I feel as if Depression is trying to set in. I only have exactly one week until my appointment at Emory. We leave next Monday evening and My appointment is at 8:30 on Tuesday morning. My only fear is that Emory won't have any answers. I told Robbie that If I walk away from Emory with no answers, that just may be my breaking point. So please pray for answers and a resolution. I have a colonoscopy scheduled for this Friday. We are trying to find answers any where we can. LOL! I am having my colonoscopy because I am having continued weight loss. I had and upper GI done during one of my many hospital stays and they found nothing. So they are going to check out the other end. I have lost 35 pounds and counting. Not that I mind the weight loss, just not this way. I think the reason I am able to stay so positive is because of my loving husband. He has always believed in me even when the doctor's found nothing. He has made me feel as if it is o.k. to be sick and we will find an answer. He has graciously taken care of the boys and allowed me to rest. No matter how tired Robbie is, He still takes over the majority of the household responsibility. and he cares for me and the boys along with working full time. Plus, he puts up with my frustration, which I take out on him because he is the closest to me. It is never frustration about him, but always frustration because of the daily pain I go through. I Love you Robbie!

Saturday, October 11, 2008

We survived the flu shots!


We took the boys yesterday to get their flu shots. I was able to take Robbie as reinforcement. Avery actually got the flu mist. He takes Flonase on a regular basis, so I figured he could sniff the mist up his nose and save him from having to get a shot. The flu mist is suppose to be more effective than the shot any ways. I guess the fear of the unknown set in when we got back into the room. I had talked to Avery about the mist ahead of time, but he still freaked out. I had to administer the medication while three other people had to hold him down. He did it though. Then it was Ayden's turn. He got the shot and did not even cry. Mommy's big boy. I am watching them over the weekend for any flu like symptoms. Last year, the shot did not affect Avery but gave Ayden a 104 temp and landed us in the emergency room. So far so good. We have a birthday party to go to tonight. I woke up around 7:00 am with a terrible headache and my left side numb and week. It took me until 11:00 to recover. Robbie was here to watch the boys. I think Robbie is finally getting tired of all of this. He has been so tolerable, loving and understanding, but recently he has been edgy and irritable. I feel so bad, because I know he is frustrated with me and my sickness. Understandable though. I wish I could fix all of this and send him on a much needed golf get-a-way so he can have some time for himself. He has definitly lived up to the "In sickness and in health" part of our vows. God gave me an angel when He gave me Robbie, 10 years ago. I thank God every day for him. He is a wonderful father and husband. One day when all of my sickness is behind us, I can only hope that I can repay him for all he has done for me/us.

Friday, October 10, 2008

Not doing so well today!

I had to work last night, and I am quite tired today. The headache continues but the severity of it keeps getting worse more often. Today I can not feel on my left side, but I can move everything. I also can not hear out of my ears and I can not see out of my left eye. All symptoms that come with my headaches. Fun stuff! Robbie brought home a heart event monitor for me to wear for 24 hours to be sure my heart doesn't have anything to do with my Headaches. There are times when I feel like my heart starts racing for no reason or does some funky beats and it takes my breath away. This monitor is attached to my chest and can give a read out of exactly what my heart is doing for 24 hours. We are trying anything to find answers to why I have headaches. We take the boys to get their flu shots today. Last year, Ayden had a reaction to the flu shot so I hope that doesn't happen again. I did it on a Friday so I can monitor them over the weekend. Avery is actually taking the flu mist instead of the shot. It is suppose to be more affective and lest painful. I pray that the pain in my head will subside enough for me to get through this day with the boys.

Thursday, October 9, 2008

Helping out when times are tough!


I saw the coolest thing on Oprah. The economy has really been frustrating me. I started back to work this past summer, but it still seems like Robbie and I are stretching every dollar to make ends meet. I wanted to, not only help our family by bringing in an extra pay check, but I wanted to find ways to save our family money. There was a lady on Oprah who was called the "Coupon Lady". This may be old news to some of you, but I tried it today and it works. Yesterday I sat down and made my grocery list. I usually allot 200.00$ every paycheck for food and Walmart. After making out my list, I went on line and typed in Kroger coupons. There was over 500,000 sites. I was able to down load coupons to my Kroger Plus card and print additional coupons to clip and use. I used them at Kroger today and saved 45.11$. I was impressed. The next step is to, instead of making out a list of what we use and need, to make a list and plan our meals according to what is on sale that week at Kroger. Never pay full price. Then use coupons on top of what is on sale. I could save even more. Another trick we are trying, is to unplug everything in our house. If we aren't using it, unplug it. Including TV's, the computer, Lamps. Our electric bill is too high, and even if something may not be on, if it is plugged in, it is still drawing energy from the circuit. I will let you know how much money we save by doing this. It is a pain, but if it works, we will do it.

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Christmas already!?!


Good morning to all! Today it is rainy here in Macon. Looks like we are stuck inside. I am not feeling so well today. I have a headach and a lot of pressure in my head. I took my flu shot yesturday, so I hope that doesn't affect me too much. I think I am just overly tired do to work, caring for the boys and dealing with pain every day. Robbie took the boys to the fair on Monday night and I was too sick to go. Granny went to help Robbie with the boys. Robbie wanted to take me tonight to use up some extra tickets, but I just don't think I can go because I feel so aweful. Last night at work was really slow, so I had to come up with a christmas list for our entire family to give to our extended family. I am able to do well with Robbie and Avery, but what do you get a very adventurous 2 year old. He doesn't play much with toys. He is into everything else, like the toilet and sinks. Any suggestions of a great toy idea would be helpful. I can't believe I have to think about Christmas already. I just need to get through the boys double birthday party in November. Then Thanksgiving and onto Christmas.

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Kids say the funniest thing!!!!

As most of you know. I am the only female in my house. I am surrounded by boys. I guess I did not realize how early a child will recognize the difference between a boy's body and a girl's body. A lot of times, I have to keep the door open when I am in the bathroom inorder to keep an eye on my 2 and 4 year old. The other day, I was using the restroom and around the corner comes Avery. He stops, bends down to look inbetween my legs while I was going tee-tee, and he says, "Mommy, where did your pee-pee go?" I froze! And for a minute was speechless! I quickly said, "Well, mommy doesn't have a pee-pee." With a puzzled look on his face, Avery looks at me and says, "Did it fall into the potty?" Doing all I could not to laugh and hoping this conversation would quickly come to an end, I replied "Girls don't have pee-pees only boys". That seemed to satisfy his curiosity and he ran out to continue playing. Guess I can no longer pee with the door open.

Virgin Blogger


I have to admit, this it the first time I have ever blogged before. I saw my cousins blog and thought what a great way for my friends and family to keep up with me/us if they want. You can choose to read what you want when you want. I have had some health issues and can't always remember to email and update everyone. So will up date this blog and people can check as they please. As for now, I am doing o.k. I have headach issues and am under going testing and have been for one and a half years. My next adventure is on Oct 21st when I go to Atlanta to Emory hospital. hopefully I will find some answers then. Today the headach is not too bad. I have to work tonight so we will see how it is after that.