Are we lymies always trying to figure out where we are in the lyme journey? Seems to be that way for me. I cannot distinguish chronic lyme symptoms from the aches and pains of aging.
There's no swelling in my joints, just some aching. I can't walk more than about 1.5 miles at one stretch, but I'm ok with that; I still go to yoga stretch twice a week in addition to walking every evening, plus I started a weekly tai chi class. My parents had arthritis in their backs, feet, legs, etc., so maybe at 58, this pain is what I would have had despite lyme disease. I have been in several car accidents over the years: one was a head-on that resulted in me hitting the steering wheel hard enough for my tooth to pierce through the skin under my bottom lip. The next one was a rear-ending by a Coke truck. That started me on a bit of a decline with neck and back issues. So is it really any wonder that I experience pain?
We traded in our 2002 Avalon for a 2010 Camry Saturday. It is shiny black and only has 33,000 miles on it. But I learned something valuable: Never buy a car on a rainy day. Once the sun was out, I see this distracting glare on the windshield from the design of the dashboard and nicks and chips in the paint that raindrops concealed. Ok. Won't do that again.
I am supposed to go to DD's house on Sunday for 4/5 days to help. I don't want to go at all. Hubby cannot go because of work commitments, so I have to drive alone. I haven't made that trip solo in almost five years. And there's seven of them now. The house is being remodeled and as of today, the room for me to stay in is not finished, there is no bed and hot water can only be had if someone goes to the cellar (yes, it's a cellar) and turns the busted tank on. It's making me very, very anxious. I feel like I'm walking into a disaster area. I still may book a hotel; I may be much better off leaving at a certain time each day to go to a quieter and calmer room. But I've never seen that hotel and don't know for sure that it's clean and quiet. Reviews on Tripadvisor are mixed.
I was so bummed when I finished "Upstairs, Downstairs" on Netflix that I started it again. I seem to need my nightly fix of Lord & Lady Bellamy, Mr. Hudson and Mrs. Bridges.
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Thursday, September 06, 2012
Chiro's Report
I had an appointment with the new chiro today to go over her report and recommendations. Then I saw it ... the TOTAL PRICE FOR HER PROGRAM!!! My friend recommended this person and is doing better, admittedly. But I have found in my travels to feel better that if someone tries to sell you a program and asks that you pay upfront, you probably are getting taken advantage of. Not that the program doesn't help, it just breaks down to ridiculous prices for appointments. I like the old way - pay as you go. Goodness! Even my cell phone is a pay as you go phone - no plans, packages or perks.
I think the report is useful, although it didn't really tell me anything I didn't already know. I need to detox my liver better and get off all sugar. Those two things will probably fix a lot of problems. I have cut down, but need to eliminate it all together.
Why is it so hard? I told her that the muffin and coffee mid morning is a ritual for me that goes back to high school. My best friend and I would skip class and go to Stouffer's Restaurant. Her mom worked in the kitchen there and would give us coffee and pecan rolls and send us back to class. It's just a habit, I guess, but one I enjoy immensely.
I think the report is useful, although it didn't really tell me anything I didn't already know. I need to detox my liver better and get off all sugar. Those two things will probably fix a lot of problems. I have cut down, but need to eliminate it all together.
Why is it so hard? I told her that the muffin and coffee mid morning is a ritual for me that goes back to high school. My best friend and I would skip class and go to Stouffer's Restaurant. Her mom worked in the kitchen there and would give us coffee and pecan rolls and send us back to class. It's just a habit, I guess, but one I enjoy immensely.
Tuesday, September 04, 2012
Home Again
We have a beautiful 7 lb. 6 oz. healthy baby boy! Mama is hurting a bit, but extremely relieved that it is over and all is well. They will stay in hospital till Friday. Her hubby is on vacation next week and will care for her. I will most likely go the following week for a few days. I need to summon the energy from somewhere.
I wish I lived closer.
Did I mention he is beautiful? Why is it, one can really only call a male person beautiful when they are an infant? Adult men may indeed be beautiful, but they certainly don't want that moniker.
I wish I lived closer.
Did I mention he is beautiful? Why is it, one can really only call a male person beautiful when they are an infant? Adult men may indeed be beautiful, but they certainly don't want that moniker.
Monday, September 03, 2012
In the 'burgh
We are sitting in the lovely B&B in the 'burgh - I'm not disappointed; it really is nice. DD drove down by herself to have dinner with us. She is still hoping to go into labor sometime tonight or early morning before the doc actually preps her for the C-section. She ordered spicy Thai food and drank strong coffee, all in hopes of getting labor going. Doesn't look like it will happen, but who knows? God willing, by this time tomorrow she will have her new little one in her arms (and Mimi will have had the opportunity to hold him/her, too.)
Hubby and I just took a long walk around Shadyside. I haven't been here for so many years, but it's still as charming as ever. I miss living here so much. I actually grew up in a little suburban area about 15 miles southwest from this area, but I lived in this part of the city for a while. I was just 19, working for a stock brokerage in downtown Pittsburgh. My dad and I didn't get along too well and once I got a decent job, I decided to move out on my own. So I got a newspaper, checked the classifieds and hopped a bus from town after work one day, heading to the East Liberty/Shadyside area. I decided wherever it took me, I would get an apartment. And I found one very quickly in East Liberty. It was a rather questionable area, but the rent was really cheap - $100/month. I decided not to place too much stock on the fact that there bars on the windows. It was an efficiency, just one room, and I had a murphy bed! Loved that thing. For those too young to know what that is, it's a bed that folds up against the wall behind what looks like a closet door. You pull it down to sleep and push it back up in the morning. Fun stuff. Here's a pic. I had a stalker while I lived there. A young man I met on the bus. He seemed so nice, but turned out to be so creepy. Not so fun.
Enough about that. Now off to the jacuzzi tub. The maid left me some primrose bath salts that smell divine! Hopefully that will take away some of the achiness of a five hour car ride.
Hubby and I just took a long walk around Shadyside. I haven't been here for so many years, but it's still as charming as ever. I miss living here so much. I actually grew up in a little suburban area about 15 miles southwest from this area, but I lived in this part of the city for a while. I was just 19, working for a stock brokerage in downtown Pittsburgh. My dad and I didn't get along too well and once I got a decent job, I decided to move out on my own. So I got a newspaper, checked the classifieds and hopped a bus from town after work one day, heading to the East Liberty/Shadyside area. I decided wherever it took me, I would get an apartment. And I found one very quickly in East Liberty. It was a rather questionable area, but the rent was really cheap - $100/month. I decided not to place too much stock on the fact that there bars on the windows. It was an efficiency, just one room, and I had a murphy bed! Loved that thing. For those too young to know what that is, it's a bed that folds up against the wall behind what looks like a closet door. You pull it down to sleep and push it back up in the morning. Fun stuff. Here's a pic. I had a stalker while I lived there. A young man I met on the bus. He seemed so nice, but turned out to be so creepy. Not so fun.
Enough about that. Now off to the jacuzzi tub. The maid left me some primrose bath salts that smell divine! Hopefully that will take away some of the achiness of a five hour car ride.
Sunday, September 02, 2012
A Break From Lyme Stuff
I need a break from thinking about lyme disease.
We've put together our trip to Pittsburgh for the baby's birth. We will leave tomorrow and stay at this beautiful B&B, only about a 15 minute drive from the hospital. She is being sectioned on Tuesday morning. I plan on going to the hospital and staying with her til about dinner time, then heading back home.
Daughter and hubby are puzzled as to why we are staying at the inn. It is expensive, I know, but I have to stay somewhere, she doesn't have the room, plus they are just recovering from hand, foot and mouth disease ... all 7 of them had it ... and I don't want to be exposed to this virus - it's nasty! Cheap hotels are just that - cheap. Sometimes they're roach motels and not kept very clean. I would rather pay a bit more for a B&B, knowing that the owners have a greater incentive to make one's stay very pleasant; their reputation depends upon satisfied customers. The staff at the big hotel chains really don't seem to care too much whether one is happy with their stay or not. We've done the cheapo route in our salad days. Now, I want a little luxury.
I'll probably go to my daughter's house to help in two weeks, after her hubby goes back to work; that's when she'll really need me. Right now, I feel as if I can't possibly take care of a 4 YO and a 2 YO, plus get meals for 9 people and keep some sort of household order. They still haven't finished the room for me to stay in, but are hoping to have it done by then.
I need God's strength so much to get through this. I want to help, but lack the energy and stamina for a task of this magnitude. The 2 YO is a ball of high energy and doesn't talk yet. He bounces off the walls and drums on everything constantly, yelling at the top of his voice - he thinks he's singing. It's only cute for the first 30 seconds.
And now for something completely different. Shopping!!! I bought a new Nars lipstick in a shade that I had a few years ago and loved - Flair!! I love, love, love red lipstick. Also this gorgeous dress and blouse. Hope they fit and the dress isn't too long. The blouse will be great for work. I still like to dress up a bit for church, although women seem to do so less all the time. There are a few women who wear hats to our church. One in particular wears them every week and has quite a few in her collection. She always looks so elegant and put together. I would like to try a snood. I think these vintage type are so pretty and really dress up long hair (mine is almost mid-back length.) I still need to buy a few new things for fall, maybe some boots and black jeans, and I'll be set.
Wonder what our winter will be like?
We've put together our trip to Pittsburgh for the baby's birth. We will leave tomorrow and stay at this beautiful B&B, only about a 15 minute drive from the hospital. She is being sectioned on Tuesday morning. I plan on going to the hospital and staying with her til about dinner time, then heading back home.
Daughter and hubby are puzzled as to why we are staying at the inn. It is expensive, I know, but I have to stay somewhere, she doesn't have the room, plus they are just recovering from hand, foot and mouth disease ... all 7 of them had it ... and I don't want to be exposed to this virus - it's nasty! Cheap hotels are just that - cheap. Sometimes they're roach motels and not kept very clean. I would rather pay a bit more for a B&B, knowing that the owners have a greater incentive to make one's stay very pleasant; their reputation depends upon satisfied customers. The staff at the big hotel chains really don't seem to care too much whether one is happy with their stay or not. We've done the cheapo route in our salad days. Now, I want a little luxury.
I'll probably go to my daughter's house to help in two weeks, after her hubby goes back to work; that's when she'll really need me. Right now, I feel as if I can't possibly take care of a 4 YO and a 2 YO, plus get meals for 9 people and keep some sort of household order. They still haven't finished the room for me to stay in, but are hoping to have it done by then.
I need God's strength so much to get through this. I want to help, but lack the energy and stamina for a task of this magnitude. The 2 YO is a ball of high energy and doesn't talk yet. He bounces off the walls and drums on everything constantly, yelling at the top of his voice - he thinks he's singing. It's only cute for the first 30 seconds.
And now for something completely different. Shopping!!! I bought a new Nars lipstick in a shade that I had a few years ago and loved - Flair!! I love, love, love red lipstick. Also this gorgeous dress and blouse. Hope they fit and the dress isn't too long. The blouse will be great for work. I still like to dress up a bit for church, although women seem to do so less all the time. There are a few women who wear hats to our church. One in particular wears them every week and has quite a few in her collection. She always looks so elegant and put together. I would like to try a snood. I think these vintage type are so pretty and really dress up long hair (mine is almost mid-back length.) I still need to buy a few new things for fall, maybe some boots and black jeans, and I'll be set.
Wonder what our winter will be like?
Thursday, August 30, 2012
'Nother Birthin' Comin'
My sixth grandbaby is scheduled to be born on September 4. I don't know yet if it is a girl or boy, but I keep referring to "him" - parents didn't want to know ahead of time. We may travel to her city and stay in a hotel the night before so we can be with my daughter for the birth.
Upstairs, Downstairs
Update: Everything is normal again. Maybe it was a virus ... But I'm back on teasel root tincture, cat's claw and sarsaparilla. Can't hurt and I have those products on hand. We keep keepin' on, don't we?
I've also seen a chiro here that is having success treating chronic lyme. She uses muscle testing to determine the body's weaknesses and the supplements that strengthen it. I've had this done with other chiros in the past and believe it to be accurate. She is also a big proponent of the master cleanse and NO SUGAR! Argghh! I don't eat much, but darn it, I do want my coffee and sweetbread in the morning. I don't really think I could do the master cleanse; I have to get up and get to work three mornings a week. Can't imagine trying to work having only consumed lemonade, maple syrup and cayenne.
If you have Netflix and like British period drama, I cannot recommend more highly the old 1970's series from Masterpiece Theatre, "Upstairs, Downstairs." If you liked "Downtown Abbey" (and I did), give this a try. I actually like "Up, Down" better as the characters are so well developed and the actors/actresses playing them so talented. The first episodes are a bit slow, but then the writers seem to hit their stride and it gets really good. There are five seasons, 13-16 episodes each season. I just finished it and feel a certain withdrawal. Le sigh. I may watch it again. BBC filmed a sequel in 2010 which picks up a few years after the series ended and places it in the 1930's before WWII. It was televised in the USA last winter and the second season begins this winter. It is not as good; there is only one character from the original, but still, I enjoy seeing the goings on at 165 Eaton Place.
I've also seen a chiro here that is having success treating chronic lyme. She uses muscle testing to determine the body's weaknesses and the supplements that strengthen it. I've had this done with other chiros in the past and believe it to be accurate. She is also a big proponent of the master cleanse and NO SUGAR! Argghh! I don't eat much, but darn it, I do want my coffee and sweetbread in the morning. I don't really think I could do the master cleanse; I have to get up and get to work three mornings a week. Can't imagine trying to work having only consumed lemonade, maple syrup and cayenne.
If you have Netflix and like British period drama, I cannot recommend more highly the old 1970's series from Masterpiece Theatre, "Upstairs, Downstairs." If you liked "Downtown Abbey" (and I did), give this a try. I actually like "Up, Down" better as the characters are so well developed and the actors/actresses playing them so talented. The first episodes are a bit slow, but then the writers seem to hit their stride and it gets really good. There are five seasons, 13-16 episodes each season. I just finished it and feel a certain withdrawal. Le sigh. I may watch it again. BBC filmed a sequel in 2010 which picks up a few years after the series ended and places it in the 1930's before WWII. It was televised in the USA last winter and the second season begins this winter. It is not as good; there is only one character from the original, but still, I enjoy seeing the goings on at 165 Eaton Place.
Monday, August 27, 2012
CD-57 Confusion
In 2010, my LLMD ordered this test for the first time. He was convinced that it would show if I had a active or new infection. My test was just under 250, so based on that, he believed I was in remission. I did feel pretty well, so I accepted that.
He ordered it again in 2011 when I saw him for facial pain. I was still just under 250, so he suggested I see my dentist. It was the TMJ irritating the facial nerves. But no one addressed what may be triggering the TMJ.
I saw the LLMD again in late spring 2012 for jaw/shoulder pain, again wondering about relapse. He did the test and called me to say it was "normal." Did not give me the number.
So last week, I wanted to get a copy of the test results to have on file and find that the number was 101! That's quite a drop. I talked to the LLMD and he now believes that further research shows that this test is not entirely accurate for determining the status of lyme infection. So, why did he order it? I tried to do research on it and have found both opinions: it's useful, it's useless as a diagnostic. Ok. But still, such a huge drop should be indicative of something happening with my immune system! Why can't I get an answer?
I realize that the docs are learning as they go, but I hate being jerked around like this.
He ordered it again in 2011 when I saw him for facial pain. I was still just under 250, so he suggested I see my dentist. It was the TMJ irritating the facial nerves. But no one addressed what may be triggering the TMJ.
I saw the LLMD again in late spring 2012 for jaw/shoulder pain, again wondering about relapse. He did the test and called me to say it was "normal." Did not give me the number.
So last week, I wanted to get a copy of the test results to have on file and find that the number was 101! That's quite a drop. I talked to the LLMD and he now believes that further research shows that this test is not entirely accurate for determining the status of lyme infection. So, why did he order it? I tried to do research on it and have found both opinions: it's useful, it's useless as a diagnostic. Ok. But still, such a huge drop should be indicative of something happening with my immune system! Why can't I get an answer?
I realize that the docs are learning as they go, but I hate being jerked around like this.
Possible Relapse
Long time gone.
I've been in a horrible funk; a combination of grieving over the deaths of my dad and sister and the rehoming of my pup, (who, BTW, is doing very well, happily playing all day with his sister.) I am also coming to terms with the fact that I might be relapsing. This week, I have bladder pain, SI joint pain, aching head and leg muscles in addition to the jaw and shoulder that's been hurting since January. I should not be surprised with all the bad things that have happened this year. Crying every day is not good and may be the biggest catalyst in why I'm now symptomatic. Could it be bartonella flaring?
So I'm addressing some of this through chiropractic, acupuncture and talk therapy. Chiro is always helpful; not sure about the others, yet, but I'm not giving up. I'm also going back to cat's claw and teasel root (plus a gazillion other supplements) and see how I feel. I'm not sure I want to do the abx again. I did improve greatly from them the first time. But I am concerned about the accounts of others who have improved initially from abx, but become much sicker if used a second time. The abx seemed to catapult them into another lyme dimension. Some of the people I read about did not recover again. I also do not want to return to the horrible herxing that irritated the cranial nerves and left me with such photosensitivity and hyperacusis that I could not function normally, making me a prisoner in my home. I cannot go back to that dark, dark place. How do I ever know if that would happen? I may not be able to undo the damage. Chronic lyme seems to respond better to natural protocols and a healthier lifestyle.
I have not been diligent in my diet. Due to my jaw pain, I must eat soft foods, so fresh veggies, once a staple, are out. I have to cook or juice them, and I just haven't had the energy to do it. So I have to reach in and find the motivation to do what I know I need to do.
A very ill friend with chronic lyme has been seeing a chiro in the area that is relatively new to treating lyme, but is really stepping up to learn about it and treat naturally. She is primarily following the Klinghardt protocol, which is a demanding and all-encompassing lifestyle change. My friend has gone off abx and is feeling better than she has in over two years. I may consult with this doc, but I have to be ready to implement major changes.
I'll post here, for the record.
I've been in a horrible funk; a combination of grieving over the deaths of my dad and sister and the rehoming of my pup, (who, BTW, is doing very well, happily playing all day with his sister.) I am also coming to terms with the fact that I might be relapsing. This week, I have bladder pain, SI joint pain, aching head and leg muscles in addition to the jaw and shoulder that's been hurting since January. I should not be surprised with all the bad things that have happened this year. Crying every day is not good and may be the biggest catalyst in why I'm now symptomatic. Could it be bartonella flaring?
So I'm addressing some of this through chiropractic, acupuncture and talk therapy. Chiro is always helpful; not sure about the others, yet, but I'm not giving up. I'm also going back to cat's claw and teasel root (plus a gazillion other supplements) and see how I feel. I'm not sure I want to do the abx again. I did improve greatly from them the first time. But I am concerned about the accounts of others who have improved initially from abx, but become much sicker if used a second time. The abx seemed to catapult them into another lyme dimension. Some of the people I read about did not recover again. I also do not want to return to the horrible herxing that irritated the cranial nerves and left me with such photosensitivity and hyperacusis that I could not function normally, making me a prisoner in my home. I cannot go back to that dark, dark place. How do I ever know if that would happen? I may not be able to undo the damage. Chronic lyme seems to respond better to natural protocols and a healthier lifestyle.
I have not been diligent in my diet. Due to my jaw pain, I must eat soft foods, so fresh veggies, once a staple, are out. I have to cook or juice them, and I just haven't had the energy to do it. So I have to reach in and find the motivation to do what I know I need to do.
A very ill friend with chronic lyme has been seeing a chiro in the area that is relatively new to treating lyme, but is really stepping up to learn about it and treat naturally. She is primarily following the Klinghardt protocol, which is a demanding and all-encompassing lifestyle change. My friend has gone off abx and is feeling better than she has in over two years. I may consult with this doc, but I have to be ready to implement major changes.
I'll post here, for the record.
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