It's been awhile since I posted here. Seems that when I have the time, I don't have the energy. Or there are too many other projects sucking up what time and energy I do have.
My wonderful son-in-law had knee surgery again last week--third time on the same knee. He probably should have had the torn rotator cuff in his shoulder fixed first--before having to use crutches for a couple of months while his knee is out of commission. That will be next.
What does that have to do with my issues with fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis? Well, daughter and son-in-law have four kidlets still at home, ages 3 to almost 15. These are my grandkidlets. Daughter works full time. Which means that I get to go play with the g'kidlets while SIL is recuperating. That's the really fun part.
It IS really fun. They have such huge imaginations, dreams, ideas, wants, plans, and immortal ideals. They also have never-ending energy...
After three and a half days with them, plus the 9 hours of driving to go to and from, I'm exhausted. Every muscle hurts. Every joint hurts. My flank is one burning mess of tangled nerve endings. I could sleep for a couple of days if the grass didn't STILL need to be mowed for, hopefully, the LAST time of the season, and other projects didn't need to be finished before having the whole crew here for Thanksgiving weekend.
How do I do that, you ask? We have a riding mower that I can manage to herd around the yard for an hour at a time. The projects are each broken down into sub-steps. I rest in between. And, I take a lot of pain meds--and, thankfully, I don't have to think much because when taking the meds, I can't think.
As for Thanksgiving--everyone pitches in, including invited guests. Otherwise, I simply couldn't manage to do it. Even then, I'm doing much of the prep work well ahead of time.
Speaking of projects... Back to it if there is to be any hope of staying ahead of the game. Deep breathing through the pain cycles. Naps.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Social Security and Disability
Met with my attorney yesterday in hopes of moving along my Social Security disability claim. 'Twasn't pretty. We're now at two and a half years since I filed my claim.
Fibromyalgia isn't deemed a worthy disease for inclusion on the approved disabling "list" because there is no clear cut cause, a specialist can't point to a part of the body and say "this is where the pain comes from and this is what causes it", and it is a "vague" diagnosis. Doesn't matter about having Osteoarthritis WITH Fibro. Doesn't matter how much pain one suffers. Unless there is a clear-cut source, it's an uphill battle at best.
We'll send out another round of information requests to doctors and specialists to update my file for the day I finally get to appear before a hearing judge. Even if he says I'm disabled, the determination immediately goes before an appeals judge or hearing or forum - and they have the right to throw out an affirmative determination. I'll bet they don't throw out a negative finding.
It reviles me that we can continue to pay women to have X number of children while on the public dole, but we who have paid into the social security fund since our teens are treated as though we're trying to steal from the crying babies.
I'll bet OctoMom didn't have to wait three years to get our money! We'll be paying to support her 14 kids for the rest of their lives. Who, in Uncle Sam's name, allowed this travesty? Whatever happened to being responsible for ones' own actions?
Shameful. Discriminatory. Biased. Bigoted.
And while I'm on a rant, let's impeach Diane Feinstein for her not-so-cleverly-disguised conflict of interest that will net her husband, Richard Blum, millions at taxpayer expense.
Let's vote out all the attorneys currently in the House and Senate and start over! Perhaps we could then revamp the Social Security system?
Fibromyalgia isn't deemed a worthy disease for inclusion on the approved disabling "list" because there is no clear cut cause, a specialist can't point to a part of the body and say "this is where the pain comes from and this is what causes it", and it is a "vague" diagnosis. Doesn't matter about having Osteoarthritis WITH Fibro. Doesn't matter how much pain one suffers. Unless there is a clear-cut source, it's an uphill battle at best.
We'll send out another round of information requests to doctors and specialists to update my file for the day I finally get to appear before a hearing judge. Even if he says I'm disabled, the determination immediately goes before an appeals judge or hearing or forum - and they have the right to throw out an affirmative determination. I'll bet they don't throw out a negative finding.
It reviles me that we can continue to pay women to have X number of children while on the public dole, but we who have paid into the social security fund since our teens are treated as though we're trying to steal from the crying babies.
I'll bet OctoMom didn't have to wait three years to get our money! We'll be paying to support her 14 kids for the rest of their lives. Who, in Uncle Sam's name, allowed this travesty? Whatever happened to being responsible for ones' own actions?
Shameful. Discriminatory. Biased. Bigoted.
And while I'm on a rant, let's impeach Diane Feinstein for her not-so-cleverly-disguised conflict of interest that will net her husband, Richard Blum, millions at taxpayer expense.
Let's vote out all the attorneys currently in the House and Senate and start over! Perhaps we could then revamp the Social Security system?
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Household Chores, Offshored Idiots, and Pain
A very busy and stressful time recently.
I'm sore. Probably because of the scrubbing given to the kitchen, dining room and back entry floors yesterday (which hubby refers to as our "front door"). I was taught that proper scrubbing could only be accomplished with a sponge, and bucket of disinfectant and hot water, while on one's hands and knees. All other cleaning of a non-carpeted floor was always referred to as "damp mopping" and was considered a quick cleanup. Last evening was rough. Today is rougher as my muscles join in the rampaging choir with my aching joints.
Creating more oil paintings was put on hold while I spent a week in Louisville with daughter's clan. The week before that was spent ensuring that middle grandson could spend at least one more week per year being the "only child" while staying with us. He's going to Washington D.C. with his school group this week. I'm sure that will be more fun than anything we could have come up with here, although we did do a few art projects.
Not much could be more stressful than attempting to get compromised credit and debit cards straightened out, or fixing a software error, while speaking with "Haysoos in Hindu". Every American company that offshores customer service should be taxed TRIPLE with huge fees levied for each person employed in the offshored office. Speaking understandable ENGLISH should also be a requirement. After going through their scripts of possible fixes for the offending issue, the bottom seems to read, "I'm sorry but it is your problem and not one we can fix here". The writers of said scripts should be sent to winter camps in Siberia - or hell-hot Atlanta in August - until they learn to fix the problems the companies they represent have created.
Enough ranting for the moment. I'm off to a hot soak in the tub to ease my aches and pains.
Follow me on Twitter for more rants. Or niceties. Depends on the day. www.twitter.com/lindajhutchinso
I'm sore. Probably because of the scrubbing given to the kitchen, dining room and back entry floors yesterday (which hubby refers to as our "front door"). I was taught that proper scrubbing could only be accomplished with a sponge, and bucket of disinfectant and hot water, while on one's hands and knees. All other cleaning of a non-carpeted floor was always referred to as "damp mopping" and was considered a quick cleanup. Last evening was rough. Today is rougher as my muscles join in the rampaging choir with my aching joints.
Creating more oil paintings was put on hold while I spent a week in Louisville with daughter's clan. The week before that was spent ensuring that middle grandson could spend at least one more week per year being the "only child" while staying with us. He's going to Washington D.C. with his school group this week. I'm sure that will be more fun than anything we could have come up with here, although we did do a few art projects.
Not much could be more stressful than attempting to get compromised credit and debit cards straightened out, or fixing a software error, while speaking with "Haysoos in Hindu". Every American company that offshores customer service should be taxed TRIPLE with huge fees levied for each person employed in the offshored office. Speaking understandable ENGLISH should also be a requirement. After going through their scripts of possible fixes for the offending issue, the bottom seems to read, "I'm sorry but it is your problem and not one we can fix here". The writers of said scripts should be sent to winter camps in Siberia - or hell-hot Atlanta in August - until they learn to fix the problems the companies they represent have created.
Enough ranting for the moment. I'm off to a hot soak in the tub to ease my aches and pains.
Follow me on Twitter for more rants. Or niceties. Depends on the day. www.twitter.com/lindajhutchinso
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Optum Health - New Website
Through Twitter I've found a wonderful new site with loads of medical information and helpful advice. Check it out: www.myOptumHealth.com.
For updates you may also follow Kevin Abramson at: http://twitter.com/myOptumHealth
Those of us with multiple ailments are always searching for new information on how to live better, to live more successfully, with debilitating diseases and conditions.
For updates you may also follow Kevin Abramson at: http://twitter.com/myOptumHealth
Those of us with multiple ailments are always searching for new information on how to live better, to live more successfully, with debilitating diseases and conditions.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Wonder why I haven't been around to update my blog? Well, I got my driving privileges back on the 11th! I'm still sore from all the roaming around I did on the 12th...
My soft collar brace is now an on-again-off-again deal. Easy. When my neck is tired and sore from holding my head up I put the brace on. Having worn the full brace all winter, my neck muscles are a bit weak. Never thought it would be so hard just to hold my own head up. Reminds me of the little kid in Jerry McGuire who was always mouthing off about how much the human head weighs.
My frostbitten thumb is turning green again, as are all the plant starts we have in our indoor mini-greenhouse. Our garden will be about 4 times larger this year if dear husband is able to till up that much. He's an old fart, he tells me. Probably to postpone getting the tiller out.
Won't be long before I'll need to start mowing the yard. David, our next door neighbor to the east, is usually the first to pull his mower out of the garage - letting me know it's time! Each of the five houses on this street has at least 2.3 acres. We have almost 4 acres to mow, plant, seed, weed.
Mowing last summer and fall was extremely hard on me. The vibration from our John Deere rider made me ache all over, but it was especially hard on my hands and forearms. Surgery should have corrected that. Sounds like a post for next week... If David can wait that long to start mowing season.
I really don't want to have to mow until after it snows at least one more time. It always seems to snow in April in Ohio.
My soft collar brace is now an on-again-off-again deal. Easy. When my neck is tired and sore from holding my head up I put the brace on. Having worn the full brace all winter, my neck muscles are a bit weak. Never thought it would be so hard just to hold my own head up. Reminds me of the little kid in Jerry McGuire who was always mouthing off about how much the human head weighs.
My frostbitten thumb is turning green again, as are all the plant starts we have in our indoor mini-greenhouse. Our garden will be about 4 times larger this year if dear husband is able to till up that much. He's an old fart, he tells me. Probably to postpone getting the tiller out.
Won't be long before I'll need to start mowing the yard. David, our next door neighbor to the east, is usually the first to pull his mower out of the garage - letting me know it's time! Each of the five houses on this street has at least 2.3 acres. We have almost 4 acres to mow, plant, seed, weed.
Mowing last summer and fall was extremely hard on me. The vibration from our John Deere rider made me ache all over, but it was especially hard on my hands and forearms. Surgery should have corrected that. Sounds like a post for next week... If David can wait that long to start mowing season.
I really don't want to have to mow until after it snows at least one more time. It always seems to snow in April in Ohio.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Yesterday's Oil Paint Fiasco
For the most part, I'm sleeping better now that I can wear a "soft" collar at night. It's so much more comfortable, but.. There's always a "but" to things like this.
The soft collar doesn't hold my neck in a rigid position, so I've been waking with muscle cramps on both sides of my neck and muscle cramps and burning in a "V" shape from the base of my skull, across both shoulders, and down the middle of my back. I'm not sure exactly what is causing this most unpleasant adverse reaction.
Now that my fingers are mostly working again, I've been dabbling with oil paints. There's a small local festival held in August of each year, and I'd love to set up a booth with some of my paintings, in the hopes of selling a few.
That seems like a great idea, but my fingers are only m-o-s-t-l-y working. Yesterday I managed to get bright red oil paint all over my clothes. My favorite neon green sweatshirt now has red blotches all over the front and up both sleeves, as does my favorite T-shirt.
Perhaps it was just because I didn't feel well yesterday. I'm hoping that was the cause. So far, the painting is looking okay, so my fumble-fingers didn't ruin it. Probably because I've begun working with the palette knife again, rather than using brushes.
We'll see how that goes today. I'm not quite as achy, but I will be taking a muscle relaxer before sitting down in front of my easel. Yesterday's painting fiasco was done in spurts of 15 minutes here and another 15 minutes there because I could not sit for very long. I couldn't stand for very long either.
The soft collar doesn't hold my neck in a rigid position, so I've been waking with muscle cramps on both sides of my neck and muscle cramps and burning in a "V" shape from the base of my skull, across both shoulders, and down the middle of my back. I'm not sure exactly what is causing this most unpleasant adverse reaction.
Now that my fingers are mostly working again, I've been dabbling with oil paints. There's a small local festival held in August of each year, and I'd love to set up a booth with some of my paintings, in the hopes of selling a few.
That seems like a great idea, but my fingers are only m-o-s-t-l-y working. Yesterday I managed to get bright red oil paint all over my clothes. My favorite neon green sweatshirt now has red blotches all over the front and up both sleeves, as does my favorite T-shirt.
Perhaps it was just because I didn't feel well yesterday. I'm hoping that was the cause. So far, the painting is looking okay, so my fumble-fingers didn't ruin it. Probably because I've begun working with the palette knife again, rather than using brushes.
We'll see how that goes today. I'm not quite as achy, but I will be taking a muscle relaxer before sitting down in front of my easel. Yesterday's painting fiasco was done in spurts of 15 minutes here and another 15 minutes there because I could not sit for very long. I couldn't stand for very long either.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Surgery Update
I'm healing well, although the neck brace is still my constant companion. My neurosurgeon has authorized me to wear a "soft" collar at night. New plugs between repaired vertebrae "look good" and new bone is beginning to grow around them. On March 11th, 19 (!) days from now, my driving privileges should be reinstated.
My energy level is low, although I'm thinking that's more due to Fibromyalgia than surgery. Naps are necessary if I'm to have a clear head all day. The searing, burning, pain that begins at the middle of my back and radiates down my flank and over both hips is back. I did so hope that would remain gone...
I'm learning that nap time is when Fibro Fog kicks in. Whether that's at 9:00 in the morning or 3:00 in the afternoon, accepting it is a much better response than fighting it.
Only one major happening while I've been re-learning to use my hands and fingers; evidently I've been "over-compensating" by sending manual overrides to my hand's poorly-functioning auto-response system long enough that it became habit. I'm re-training to consciously shut that off because squeezing a paper cup of hot coffee too hard causes the lid to pop off and bathe my lap in it. Very uncomfortable. Not a happening I wish to repeat.
I am still opting to limit the use of sharp knives in the kitchen. This is fear related. It will take time to become comfortable with them again.
Typing is still difficult. That finger "auto-response" we who have typed at 75+ wpm since our teen years and take for granted is something I miss greatly. My fingers move all right, just not to the right keys. I spend much time deleting extra fumble-fingered letters. Worse is finding and fixing the missed letters. However, my editing skills have improved because of this, so maybe that's not a bad thing after all.
Our home is finally clean again. Scrubbed clean. It takes tackling one room at a time and being happy with that rather than pissing and moaning that another room is badly in need of vacuuming and dusting, or mopping and waxing. Vacuuming has to be good enough because steam cleaning the carpets is out of the question. One room takes most of a day, even if it wasn't so bad to begin with.
My life is good, for the most part. I'm fortunate to have a wonderful husband who will pitch in even after working a 12-hour day to help me, just because he knows it bugs me to be surrounded by chaos. He even picks up after himself. He's a keeper. Good thing, too, because I'm too tired to train another one.
Now, if only I could train son's walrus-sized attention-whore dog to lay around somewhere other than the only opening out of my office - and to clean up after herself...
My energy level is low, although I'm thinking that's more due to Fibromyalgia than surgery. Naps are necessary if I'm to have a clear head all day. The searing, burning, pain that begins at the middle of my back and radiates down my flank and over both hips is back. I did so hope that would remain gone...
I'm learning that nap time is when Fibro Fog kicks in. Whether that's at 9:00 in the morning or 3:00 in the afternoon, accepting it is a much better response than fighting it.
Only one major happening while I've been re-learning to use my hands and fingers; evidently I've been "over-compensating" by sending manual overrides to my hand's poorly-functioning auto-response system long enough that it became habit. I'm re-training to consciously shut that off because squeezing a paper cup of hot coffee too hard causes the lid to pop off and bathe my lap in it. Very uncomfortable. Not a happening I wish to repeat.
I am still opting to limit the use of sharp knives in the kitchen. This is fear related. It will take time to become comfortable with them again.
Typing is still difficult. That finger "auto-response" we who have typed at 75+ wpm since our teen years and take for granted is something I miss greatly. My fingers move all right, just not to the right keys. I spend much time deleting extra fumble-fingered letters. Worse is finding and fixing the missed letters. However, my editing skills have improved because of this, so maybe that's not a bad thing after all.
Our home is finally clean again. Scrubbed clean. It takes tackling one room at a time and being happy with that rather than pissing and moaning that another room is badly in need of vacuuming and dusting, or mopping and waxing. Vacuuming has to be good enough because steam cleaning the carpets is out of the question. One room takes most of a day, even if it wasn't so bad to begin with.
My life is good, for the most part. I'm fortunate to have a wonderful husband who will pitch in even after working a 12-hour day to help me, just because he knows it bugs me to be surrounded by chaos. He even picks up after himself. He's a keeper. Good thing, too, because I'm too tired to train another one.
Now, if only I could train son's walrus-sized attention-whore dog to lay around somewhere other than the only opening out of my office - and to clean up after herself...
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
I've been AWOL
I've been AWOL from blogging and social media for the past week and a half while I catch up on housework, update my website and store, and gear up for next week's writing deadlines.
My paints and canvasses are spread out all over the "art corner" in the guest room - ready for me to get busy getting ready for the Obetz Zucchini Festival in August. I'm hoping to have 50 oil paintings and other artwork available in my booth. We'll see how that goes... Nope. It's on my goal list, so it will happen.
Today is my 2 month post-surgery checkup. If my Very Cool Dude neurosurgeon doesn't reinstate my driving privileges, he will be reduced to just "neurosurgeon". UGH! I so badly want to go somewhere by myself. Almost anywhere. Note that I said "almost". Hubby and son have been wonderful about getting me out of the house, but...
I've dropped 11 pounds since surgery. Not so easy to do while in a neck brace 24/7, but it's getting done. Keeping a food/calorie/fat diary is the ticket for me. Once it's in black and white I can't lie to myself about how much I ingest. It's so much easier these days, now that foods are pre-packaged and calorically categorized for us. Yep. Those preservatives and fat substitutes are just yummy. Great for our innards, too. Uh-huh.
I ache to make bread from honest-to-goodness quality, natural, whole, substances. Problem is, I don't know how to make less than 5 loaves at a time. I use molasses to help cut the fat, but it adds calories. The kneading part might be a bit tricky too.
Maybe I'll wait a couple of weeks before testing those new parts in my neck.
My paints and canvasses are spread out all over the "art corner" in the guest room - ready for me to get busy getting ready for the Obetz Zucchini Festival in August. I'm hoping to have 50 oil paintings and other artwork available in my booth. We'll see how that goes... Nope. It's on my goal list, so it will happen.
Today is my 2 month post-surgery checkup. If my Very Cool Dude neurosurgeon doesn't reinstate my driving privileges, he will be reduced to just "neurosurgeon". UGH! I so badly want to go somewhere by myself. Almost anywhere. Note that I said "almost". Hubby and son have been wonderful about getting me out of the house, but...
I've dropped 11 pounds since surgery. Not so easy to do while in a neck brace 24/7, but it's getting done. Keeping a food/calorie/fat diary is the ticket for me. Once it's in black and white I can't lie to myself about how much I ingest. It's so much easier these days, now that foods are pre-packaged and calorically categorized for us. Yep. Those preservatives and fat substitutes are just yummy. Great for our innards, too. Uh-huh.
I ache to make bread from honest-to-goodness quality, natural, whole, substances. Problem is, I don't know how to make less than 5 loaves at a time. I use molasses to help cut the fat, but it adds calories. The kneading part might be a bit tricky too.
Maybe I'll wait a couple of weeks before testing those new parts in my neck.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
An Evil Mix
All those foods marked with "points" at daughter's house went bad. They were without power for 8 days following the snow/ice storm that hit Louisville on the 27th. Good thing they had an un-rented rental house that still had power! Daughter and 5 grandkidlets slept on the floor and cooked in a hauled-in microwave. Daughter said those 8 days were tougher on her than the 22 months she spent getting her MBA.
Schools and day care were closed, meaning she missed a week of work too. It would have helped her greatly if I'd been able to drive to Louisville to watch the g'kidlets. However, I have not been cleared by my neurosurgeon to drive. Or to lift.
And we still don't have that great-granddaughter... SIL is supposed to fly home from Seattle on Sunday, but I'm thinking he'll change that flight if Evelyn refuses to join us in the outside world before then. He's been taking looooong walks with Toshie, hoping to induce labor.
I've lost 5 pounds, as of this morning! Not bad for 11 days! Getting inventive with foods is helping. Eating a small apple before supper helps greatly! Only 70 calories, no fat. Taking Hoodia and Acai are also helping - I think. I've also added cranberry capsules to my supplement diet.
However, this morning I awoke to a locked-up and aching right hip. After compensating by shifting weight as I limped to the kitchen, the left hip started aching. It hasn't locked up - yet. Kind husband brought my cane in from the car.
Osteoarthritis, chronic bursitis, and Fibromyalgia are an evil mix of afflictions.
Schools and day care were closed, meaning she missed a week of work too. It would have helped her greatly if I'd been able to drive to Louisville to watch the g'kidlets. However, I have not been cleared by my neurosurgeon to drive. Or to lift.
And we still don't have that great-granddaughter... SIL is supposed to fly home from Seattle on Sunday, but I'm thinking he'll change that flight if Evelyn refuses to join us in the outside world before then. He's been taking looooong walks with Toshie, hoping to induce labor.
I've lost 5 pounds, as of this morning! Not bad for 11 days! Getting inventive with foods is helping. Eating a small apple before supper helps greatly! Only 70 calories, no fat. Taking Hoodia and Acai are also helping - I think. I've also added cranberry capsules to my supplement diet.
However, this morning I awoke to a locked-up and aching right hip. After compensating by shifting weight as I limped to the kitchen, the left hip started aching. It hasn't locked up - yet. Kind husband brought my cane in from the car.
Osteoarthritis, chronic bursitis, and Fibromyalgia are an evil mix of afflictions.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
My Newest Challenge
My appointment with Very Cool Dude neurosurgeon for this afternoon was canceled due to weather. We have been under a Level II storm that has dumped 8 inches of snow and ice on top of the 4 inches we already had. Many offices were closed today in and around Columbus, OH.
I'm finally able to do some of the laundry, run the duster and dust mop over the furniture and floors, and cook - which I'm sure hubby is very happy about.
Re cooking: I've put myself on a strict diet of 1500 calories/30 grams of fat per day. Somehow, all this added weight has to come off. Before, 1700 calories per day would do it, but with enforced limited activity, this is the only way to go. I've never been this heavy and hate it. I'm the only one who can fix that.
My food diary isn't very imaginative. And I still have to cook for my Michael - who loves rich sauces, cheese, and fried foods. It's a challenge. However, I'm armed with low-fat/fat free foods, fresh veggies, and 100 calorie (treat) snack packs of chocolate.
Chocolate. My writer's veins flow with it...
I'm finally able to do some of the laundry, run the duster and dust mop over the furniture and floors, and cook - which I'm sure hubby is very happy about.
Re cooking: I've put myself on a strict diet of 1500 calories/30 grams of fat per day. Somehow, all this added weight has to come off. Before, 1700 calories per day would do it, but with enforced limited activity, this is the only way to go. I've never been this heavy and hate it. I'm the only one who can fix that.
My food diary isn't very imaginative. And I still have to cook for my Michael - who loves rich sauces, cheese, and fried foods. It's a challenge. However, I'm armed with low-fat/fat free foods, fresh veggies, and 100 calorie (treat) snack packs of chocolate.
Chocolate. My writer's veins flow with it...
Monday, January 26, 2009
Ode to Pizza and Cookies
We made it to Louisville in time to watch our son's oldest son play basketball Friday night. (I can't believe they have 8 year-olds scheduled to play at 8:00 p.m.) Had a wonderful time with the boys before the pain and stiffness from 4 hours in a car settled in.
We all had a grand time opening Christmas presents Saturday morning. Abigail (2 3/4) and Jacob (the birthday boy) must have played with the construction set Grandpa picked out for him for at least 2 hours. Her new Barbie doll's dress, earrings, necklace and shoes, worked great for loading into the crane's bucket...
On Saturday, I got to spend some quality time with son-in-law, who was to leave Sunday morning for two weeks in Seattle where he'll be around when his first grandchild is born. Evelyn is due on Wednesday and I'm sure her mom and dad don't want to wait any longer either. He'll have camera and laptop in hand to send photos.
Jeffrey saw how irritated my neck was from the brace and quickly found the "Cadillac version" from his neck surgery two years ago. Much better! Extra padding. Extra set of pads so I can keep them washed.
Then, daughter and I got to spend a few minutes together while she explained her Weight Watchers plan to lose 40 pounds while also strength training and spinning, to gear up for the Ride to Conquer Cancer. She's committed and hoping to gain as many sponsors as possible. This is her website: Ride to Victory There is a button that says “Support Raylene”. Be sure to check out the video while you're there.
Their 14 year-old son is strength training with her and keeping her on task. He and 8 year-old Hannah have gone through the refrigerator and marked the "points" on everything in there with a Sharpie.
Which, of course, meant that I had to stop procrastinating. My diet and commitment to lose 40 pounds before my birthday started TODAY. It will be even harder to do because I've yet to be cleared for exercise following spine surgery. (Walking is allowed, but I can't walk more than 50 feet before my arthritic hips lock up.)
I've carefully counted out each calorie and shred of cheese in tonight's enchiladas and divided by SIX, which equals the number of allotted calories remaining after my delicious and filling luncheon consisting of one cup of dry Cheerios.
Guess I'll need to remember fondly the pizza and cookies at Jacob's birthday party on Saturday.
We all had a grand time opening Christmas presents Saturday morning. Abigail (2 3/4) and Jacob (the birthday boy) must have played with the construction set Grandpa picked out for him for at least 2 hours. Her new Barbie doll's dress, earrings, necklace and shoes, worked great for loading into the crane's bucket...
On Saturday, I got to spend some quality time with son-in-law, who was to leave Sunday morning for two weeks in Seattle where he'll be around when his first grandchild is born. Evelyn is due on Wednesday and I'm sure her mom and dad don't want to wait any longer either. He'll have camera and laptop in hand to send photos.
Jeffrey saw how irritated my neck was from the brace and quickly found the "Cadillac version" from his neck surgery two years ago. Much better! Extra padding. Extra set of pads so I can keep them washed.
Then, daughter and I got to spend a few minutes together while she explained her Weight Watchers plan to lose 40 pounds while also strength training and spinning, to gear up for the Ride to Conquer Cancer. She's committed and hoping to gain as many sponsors as possible. This is her website: Ride to Victory There is a button that says “Support Raylene”. Be sure to check out the video while you're there.
Their 14 year-old son is strength training with her and keeping her on task. He and 8 year-old Hannah have gone through the refrigerator and marked the "points" on everything in there with a Sharpie.
Which, of course, meant that I had to stop procrastinating. My diet and commitment to lose 40 pounds before my birthday started TODAY. It will be even harder to do because I've yet to be cleared for exercise following spine surgery. (Walking is allowed, but I can't walk more than 50 feet before my arthritic hips lock up.)
I've carefully counted out each calorie and shred of cheese in tonight's enchiladas and divided by SIX, which equals the number of allotted calories remaining after my delicious and filling luncheon consisting of one cup of dry Cheerios.
Guess I'll need to remember fondly the pizza and cookies at Jacob's birthday party on Saturday.
FM AWARE site for FM Patients
If you or someone you love - or even dislike - has symptoms of Fibromyalgia, or has been diagnosed with FM, this is a great place to find information:
http://www.fmaware.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=8337
My daughter has some of the symptoms of FM, but not the pressure points. Yet. She checks herself often. This website has also helped her to understand what her mama goes through and deals with.
http://www.fmaware.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=8337
My daughter has some of the symptoms of FM, but not the pressure points. Yet. She checks herself often. This website has also helped her to understand what her mama goes through and deals with.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Loooong Car Ride
Have to make this short. Son and his girlfriend will be here soon to take me to see the Grandkidlets in Louisville - where we'll finally be able to celebrate Christmas. The g'kids were sick in December, and I couldn't be around sickies because of the recent spine surgery.
Not looking forward to a 4 hour drive packed in pillows, but happy to go. Neck brace in place. CPAP packed. Yeah!!
Just added a new page to my gift store and FR*E classes to the Links for Writers page at my website. Enjoy!
Check out The Review Hutch for comments about a thank you I recently received.
Off to the shower, where I'm allowed to take off the neck brace ...
Not looking forward to a 4 hour drive packed in pillows, but happy to go. Neck brace in place. CPAP packed. Yeah!!
Just added a new page to my gift store and FR*E classes to the Links for Writers page at my website. Enjoy!
Check out The Review Hutch for comments about a thank you I recently received.
Off to the shower, where I'm allowed to take off the neck brace ...
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
No Brace = Pain/Burning
Thought I could take my neck brace off for awhile yesterday while I lazed on the sofa to watch the inauguration. Bad idea. I'm paying for it today. The base of my skull burns. All the way down.
Still need to rifle through the stacks on my desk to find the Rx for the X-ray I need to get done next week before the scheduled appointment with my neurosurgeon. I must be a very good patient to convince him to move on to the next section of my spine that needs a major renovation.
So much work to do professionally. I've taken to grabbing the Swiffer duster on my way to and from the bathroom to zap furniture dust as I pass through. One of the downfalls of working from a home office. This is while I'm grazing through ODOT offices looking for a story due a week from Friday and Tweeting/marketing Linda's Gifts and Decor.
Recuperating from this surgery is taking much longer than I expected. While realizing that I'm no longer 30, I'm also NOT 80. Forcing myself to hold my head "UP", "UP", "UP" as I've been directed to do by Cool Dude neurosurgeon, causes severe muscle spasms from the base of my neck to mid-back. I'm re-thinking his "Cool Dude" status.
I'm sure going without my brace while clapping my hands and cheering during Obama's speech didn't help.
Still need to rifle through the stacks on my desk to find the Rx for the X-ray I need to get done next week before the scheduled appointment with my neurosurgeon. I must be a very good patient to convince him to move on to the next section of my spine that needs a major renovation.
So much work to do professionally. I've taken to grabbing the Swiffer duster on my way to and from the bathroom to zap furniture dust as I pass through. One of the downfalls of working from a home office. This is while I'm grazing through ODOT offices looking for a story due a week from Friday and Tweeting/marketing Linda's Gifts and Decor.
Recuperating from this surgery is taking much longer than I expected. While realizing that I'm no longer 30, I'm also NOT 80. Forcing myself to hold my head "UP", "UP", "UP" as I've been directed to do by Cool Dude neurosurgeon, causes severe muscle spasms from the base of my neck to mid-back. I'm re-thinking his "Cool Dude" status.
I'm sure going without my brace while clapping my hands and cheering during Obama's speech didn't help.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Snow. Cold, white, icy, snow. I don't even think it's pretty anymore. Yep, we got more snow yesterday. Today's high is supposed to be 28. Being cold makes the pain of FM and OA worse.
I stay inside as much as possible. I'm thankful our dog's bladder is expandable so the back door doesn't get opened as often.
My neurosurgeon was right. I hate to admit this. When I take off the neck brace, even for just enough time to brush my hair, my shoulder muscles begin to spasm. I've decided to quit fighting it. The brace stays on, as I've been ordered.
I don't much like taking orders. Never have. Two of my uncles were in the military, one army and one navy. Each of those uncles produced a daughter who served in the military, one army and one navy. I'd have spent most of my time in the brig.
Fifteen days until my next writing deadline and I've already started contacting people for interviews and information. I don't remember writing last month's contracted article. My editor emailed his "thanks" and there is a check sitting on my desk so I know it got written, sent and published. My editor was warned a month ahead of time about this surgery. I'm sure he did a heavy edit rather than the usual publish-as-received. I'm thankful for that.
Finished the critique/review of Hope Clark's mss yesterday. It's a good read and is certainly better than many of the books on the big-box shelves. I'm hoping she lands a great agent and a nice advance. I'm also hoping she'll send me the mss to the second in the series and that the sales figures for both will put them at the top of the charts.
Oh, yes, I'm still working on getting my online store set up. About half is up and running. Step #1: Go to my website, www.lindajhutchinson.com and, Step #2: select "Enter Gift Store" from the menu on the left. Step #3: Find all the bargains on goods you've been looking for. Step #4: Slip your credit card out of your wallet. #5: Type in where you want it sent. #6: I'll notify you as soon as the companies let me know the items have been shipped - usually the same day. #7: Please accept my heartfelt thanks for doing business with me.
I sure can give orders though, huh?
I stay inside as much as possible. I'm thankful our dog's bladder is expandable so the back door doesn't get opened as often.
My neurosurgeon was right. I hate to admit this. When I take off the neck brace, even for just enough time to brush my hair, my shoulder muscles begin to spasm. I've decided to quit fighting it. The brace stays on, as I've been ordered.
I don't much like taking orders. Never have. Two of my uncles were in the military, one army and one navy. Each of those uncles produced a daughter who served in the military, one army and one navy. I'd have spent most of my time in the brig.
Fifteen days until my next writing deadline and I've already started contacting people for interviews and information. I don't remember writing last month's contracted article. My editor emailed his "thanks" and there is a check sitting on my desk so I know it got written, sent and published. My editor was warned a month ahead of time about this surgery. I'm sure he did a heavy edit rather than the usual publish-as-received. I'm thankful for that.
Finished the critique/review of Hope Clark's mss yesterday. It's a good read and is certainly better than many of the books on the big-box shelves. I'm hoping she lands a great agent and a nice advance. I'm also hoping she'll send me the mss to the second in the series and that the sales figures for both will put them at the top of the charts.
Oh, yes, I'm still working on getting my online store set up. About half is up and running. Step #1: Go to my website, www.lindajhutchinson.com and, Step #2: select "Enter Gift Store" from the menu on the left. Step #3: Find all the bargains on goods you've been looking for. Step #4: Slip your credit card out of your wallet. #5: Type in where you want it sent. #6: I'll notify you as soon as the companies let me know the items have been shipped - usually the same day. #7: Please accept my heartfelt thanks for doing business with me.
I sure can give orders though, huh?
Friday, January 16, 2009
Minus 15 degrees here this morning
I didn't get the new Home Fragrances page up on my website yesterday because I was so cold and achy and tired. It's up now because I've spent the day wrapped in an afghan as I work at my desk. http://www.lindajhutchinson.com/2008_linda_j_hutchinson_lindas_gifts_and_decor_home_fragrances.htm
Dear husband and I got up at the usual time this morning to have our coffee and quality time together. When he left for work I asked him to look at the thermometer on the back porch. He did. It was MINUS 15 degrees! No wonder we've been so cold. Our back porch is covered but not enclosed.
It is sunny and beautiful and very white today. The last five inches of snow we got will be around for a long time if the temperature remains in the sub-zero zone.
Son came by to check on me yesterday afternoon. I told him I needed a nap. He asked why I didn't take one so I proceeded to tell him what HIS bull mastiff does when I try to nap.
If you aren't familiar with bull mastiffs, they have about 10 inches of tongue that won't fit inside their mouths, so it is always dragging around on everything. Tamia, the dog we're discussing here, has found it possible to curl hers in just the right way to stick it up both of my nostrils while I'm sleeping. Unless, of course, I'm napping in a room with a door that locks. She's learned how to open all doors that don't lock, no doubt by wrapping her tongue around the knob and twisting her head.
Son took Tamia with him as he headed back over to his girlfriend's. It is so peaceful without her here. She's sweet and kind and loving, but a total attention whore. I swear she has a built-in alarm clock and expects her treats at exactly 5:15 a.m. and 5:15 p.m. If son's big rig is parked in the back yard and he isn't here, she has to go outside to pee every 15 minutes - no doubt in hopes he'll appear as if he'd just driven in. She fails to realize the truck has been sitting for a couple of days.
Or that info just doesn't fit into her schedule.
Even though I've managed to stay warmer today, the ache-all-over has settled into my bones and joints. At least I've gotten something productive done today - about 1/4 of what I was able to accomplish before being blessed with OA and FM.
Dear husband and I got up at the usual time this morning to have our coffee and quality time together. When he left for work I asked him to look at the thermometer on the back porch. He did. It was MINUS 15 degrees! No wonder we've been so cold. Our back porch is covered but not enclosed.
It is sunny and beautiful and very white today. The last five inches of snow we got will be around for a long time if the temperature remains in the sub-zero zone.
Son came by to check on me yesterday afternoon. I told him I needed a nap. He asked why I didn't take one so I proceeded to tell him what HIS bull mastiff does when I try to nap.
If you aren't familiar with bull mastiffs, they have about 10 inches of tongue that won't fit inside their mouths, so it is always dragging around on everything. Tamia, the dog we're discussing here, has found it possible to curl hers in just the right way to stick it up both of my nostrils while I'm sleeping. Unless, of course, I'm napping in a room with a door that locks. She's learned how to open all doors that don't lock, no doubt by wrapping her tongue around the knob and twisting her head.
Son took Tamia with him as he headed back over to his girlfriend's. It is so peaceful without her here. She's sweet and kind and loving, but a total attention whore. I swear she has a built-in alarm clock and expects her treats at exactly 5:15 a.m. and 5:15 p.m. If son's big rig is parked in the back yard and he isn't here, she has to go outside to pee every 15 minutes - no doubt in hopes he'll appear as if he'd just driven in. She fails to realize the truck has been sitting for a couple of days.
Or that info just doesn't fit into her schedule.
Even though I've managed to stay warmer today, the ache-all-over has settled into my bones and joints. At least I've gotten something productive done today - about 1/4 of what I was able to accomplish before being blessed with OA and FM.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Zero Degrees and Snow, Oh My Aching Joints
It is ZERO degrees today in central Ohio - with 5 inches of snow. The cold makes me ache. However, today I'm not quite so hateful toward this neck brace. Why? Because it keeps my neck warm.
I'll be guest blogging at Renee' Barn's new blog for the newly po' next week. Will post the link here. Renee' and I know what it's like to have extra money and to have none at all. She's made it her passion to help those who are now finding themselves among the "middle class" or below for the first time in their lives because their fortunes that were "on paper" have evaporated, their homes are worth less than they owe on them, and they're shopping at WalMart instead of on Rodeo Drive.
While I'm ignoring housework except for the kitchen and bathrooms, mostly because my Very Cool Dude neurosurgeon has forbade me to do most things, I've been working on my website and online store every day. Because it is ZERO degrees outside, I've chosen to lighten my load by thinking "SPRINGTIME!". Check it out: http://tinyurl.com/9tht3h
Hubby has sworn to get me out of the house tomorrow - even if it is to go to Walgreen's to pick up refills of my prescriptions. I'll be using my wheelchair to ensure that I don't fall on the ice and break the new construction in my spine.
Having been a "tummy" sleeper my whole life, with several grandchildren to prove this is hereditary, I'm now, at 56, having to learn to sleep on my back or sides. The neck brace pushing against my cheeks and jaw have caused me to bite both sides of my tongue. This makes eating anything hot very uncomfortable.
I'll be adding "Home Fragrance" to my online store today. Probably to help kill the smell of our only-use-as-a-last-resort-kerosene-heater that is plugging up my sinuses. Go to www.lindajhutchinson.com and select "Enter Gift Store" from the menu on the left to check my progress.
I'll be guest blogging at Renee' Barn's new blog for the newly po' next week. Will post the link here. Renee' and I know what it's like to have extra money and to have none at all. She's made it her passion to help those who are now finding themselves among the "middle class" or below for the first time in their lives because their fortunes that were "on paper" have evaporated, their homes are worth less than they owe on them, and they're shopping at WalMart instead of on Rodeo Drive.
While I'm ignoring housework except for the kitchen and bathrooms, mostly because my Very Cool Dude neurosurgeon has forbade me to do most things, I've been working on my website and online store every day. Because it is ZERO degrees outside, I've chosen to lighten my load by thinking "SPRINGTIME!". Check it out: http://tinyurl.com/9tht3h
Hubby has sworn to get me out of the house tomorrow - even if it is to go to Walgreen's to pick up refills of my prescriptions. I'll be using my wheelchair to ensure that I don't fall on the ice and break the new construction in my spine.
Having been a "tummy" sleeper my whole life, with several grandchildren to prove this is hereditary, I'm now, at 56, having to learn to sleep on my back or sides. The neck brace pushing against my cheeks and jaw have caused me to bite both sides of my tongue. This makes eating anything hot very uncomfortable.
I'll be adding "Home Fragrance" to my online store today. Probably to help kill the smell of our only-use-as-a-last-resort-kerosene-heater that is plugging up my sinuses. Go to www.lindajhutchinson.com and select "Enter Gift Store" from the menu on the left to check my progress.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
150-Mile Bike Ride to Conquer Cancer
My daughter, Raylene Browne, is training for the 150-mile bike Ride to Conquer Cancer. Raylene, mom to six kidlets, and husband Jeff live near Louisville, KY.
She’s well-qualified to tell you how cancer affects the lives of not only the afflicted, but everyone who loves them. My photo with “The 13” sign was recently used in a video for StandUp2Cancer. Cancer has hit our family hard, and often.
What she might not tell you is that she began battling pre-cancer at the age of 18.
Raylene is in need of sponsors to spur her along on each of those 150 miles. If you would care to sponsor Raylene with a pledge of any amount, please see her webpage. http://ky09.ridetovictory.org/goto/raylene There is a button that says “Support Raylene”.
Check out the video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=4BiccSxwV_g
Please support this very worthwhile cause! (Sure wish I could make this ride with her.)
She’s well-qualified to tell you how cancer affects the lives of not only the afflicted, but everyone who loves them. My photo with “The 13” sign was recently used in a video for StandUp2Cancer. Cancer has hit our family hard, and often.
What she might not tell you is that she began battling pre-cancer at the age of 18.
Raylene is in need of sponsors to spur her along on each of those 150 miles. If you would care to sponsor Raylene with a pledge of any amount, please see her webpage. http://ky09.ridetovictory.org/goto/raylene There is a button that says “Support Raylene”.
Check out the video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=4BiccSxwV_g
Please support this very worthwhile cause! (Sure wish I could make this ride with her.)
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
My very long-time friend Lee from God's country, USA, where I used to live and she still does, emailed today to ask me how I was doing. They, on the rainy side of Washington state have had more snow in the past couple of years than I can remember happening since my son was about 7. They don't like it much.
My photos of son standing in the hole we'd dug in the snow, next to a yardstick, were stolen by the heathen, hypocrite, thieving, scripture-spouting bastards who stole my beloved truck, and all of our furniture, toilets and underwear, from our former home in middle Tennessee. However, that photo did exist to prove we'd gotten 36 inches of snow in 24 hours in Longview, WA. We didn't like it much then either. Well, the kids liked not having school. We didn't like that much either.
Most of the time Lee forwards on the most incredible photography that her Canadian cousin can get his hands on. He takes a lot of the photos himself, but I'm sure others are copyrighted by persons unknown to me, so I don't post them anywhere. They do, however, make me yearn to get out my oil paints.
Now that my fingers could hold an artist brush again. Maybe. I'll have to try that before making a bolder statement. And take into consideration that I can't even get comfortable to read while in this abominable neck brace, while wearing trifocals.
I have no choice but to ignore the laundry, housework, dishes, etc., that need to be done. I will pay the bills today. Hubby will take care of the rest after he's put in a full day of work. He'll get it done with a smile left for me. He won't like it much, though.
My photos of son standing in the hole we'd dug in the snow, next to a yardstick, were stolen by the heathen, hypocrite, thieving, scripture-spouting bastards who stole my beloved truck, and all of our furniture, toilets and underwear, from our former home in middle Tennessee. However, that photo did exist to prove we'd gotten 36 inches of snow in 24 hours in Longview, WA. We didn't like it much then either. Well, the kids liked not having school. We didn't like that much either.
Most of the time Lee forwards on the most incredible photography that her Canadian cousin can get his hands on. He takes a lot of the photos himself, but I'm sure others are copyrighted by persons unknown to me, so I don't post them anywhere. They do, however, make me yearn to get out my oil paints.
Now that my fingers could hold an artist brush again. Maybe. I'll have to try that before making a bolder statement. And take into consideration that I can't even get comfortable to read while in this abominable neck brace, while wearing trifocals.
I have no choice but to ignore the laundry, housework, dishes, etc., that need to be done. I will pay the bills today. Hubby will take care of the rest after he's put in a full day of work. He'll get it done with a smile left for me. He won't like it much, though.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
My new body parts went on a field trip last night
Had an awful time sleeping last night. Just couldn't get comfortable. Meds didn't help. Neither did dear husband's constant attention - I swear the man seldom sleeps when I'm ill or recovering from surgery.
Wearing my CPAP mask (for sleep apnea) over my neck brace makes for great difficulty in changing sleeping positions. I try very hard to be as courteous as possible to DH by not allowing my CPAP to blow cold air down his neck while I snuggle up against his back. Which means moving the hose. Which means that if I then turn back over,an act which has its own set of issues, the hose is wrapped around my neck.
Last night I managed to get the hose wrapped around my neck and then around my arms and chest. Wish I could remember what I was dreaming about because it would make for some interesting scenes in my WIP.
Thank goodness for a bladder the size of a pea because I had to wake enough to untangle myself before staggering to the bathroom.
I don't remember the return trip, but I awoke to the alarm clock minus any head/neck gear, with my neck in a bent position and cramping back and shoulder muscles sending spasms straight to the nearest pain center in my brain.
I've decided it best to be a most vigilant patient today and to wear the neck brace every possible moment to correct anything that may have occurred last night to re-arrange my new parts.
Hopefully, tonight, they'll mind their manners a bit better and learn to like their new host.
I should also mention, again, that I am eternally grateful to the departed souls who left their no longer needed earth-bound bones to be used to repair mine. Perhaps I'm getting to know them.
Wearing my CPAP mask (for sleep apnea) over my neck brace makes for great difficulty in changing sleeping positions. I try very hard to be as courteous as possible to DH by not allowing my CPAP to blow cold air down his neck while I snuggle up against his back. Which means moving the hose. Which means that if I then turn back over,an act which has its own set of issues, the hose is wrapped around my neck.
Last night I managed to get the hose wrapped around my neck and then around my arms and chest. Wish I could remember what I was dreaming about because it would make for some interesting scenes in my WIP.
Thank goodness for a bladder the size of a pea because I had to wake enough to untangle myself before staggering to the bathroom.
I don't remember the return trip, but I awoke to the alarm clock minus any head/neck gear, with my neck in a bent position and cramping back and shoulder muscles sending spasms straight to the nearest pain center in my brain.
I've decided it best to be a most vigilant patient today and to wear the neck brace every possible moment to correct anything that may have occurred last night to re-arrange my new parts.
Hopefully, tonight, they'll mind their manners a bit better and learn to like their new host.
I should also mention, again, that I am eternally grateful to the departed souls who left their no longer needed earth-bound bones to be used to repair mine. Perhaps I'm getting to know them.
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