GRAINS of GRATITUDE......

Thanks to Christine I have been looking what I am grateful for in the past week:


1.) I have very thorough doctors who are doing everything to take care of me. They have done an endoscopy (I now have reflux), an echo cardiogram (got a heart). Have an u/s of the liver April 4th and go to the orthopedics for my back.





2.) Finally it is the week I get to surprise Aviva with Disney on Ice (Friday)...we will go to Applebee"s her favorite restaurant for dinner then to the show.



3. Auntie Marie is coming to visit this coming Friday but will stay with their great aunt and then off to Melody's and she will come back to us for a few days before she goes home.




4. I am very proud of the weight loss even with the diuretic pill (only on for 5 days) I am proud to say as of today down 27lbs. Look we changed our way we eat and taking the pill helps. I am just happy.




5.) My friend Alyssa, her DH, 2 boys and new baby girl are coming from Minnesota. I met her in Mexico when we lived there and she was studying abroad. Have not seen her in a long while and cannot wait and hold that new baby.

6.) Thank you to everyone who has sent me prayers for my health, it meants a lot to me.

I have been tagged for a MEME from MISS D...

My favorite songs asked by Miss D:

1.) Sounds of Silence by Simon and Garfunkel....I am not sure why, but just love the melody of it. Loved it since was a kid. Love most of their songs.

2.) The score from Fiddlers on the Roof.....I have seen the movie and show in Lincoln Center and it has always left me thinking how it can relate to my family. The music is beautiful.

3.) Buffalo Soldier by Bob Marley....It reminds me of when I met Spider. My friend and I just sang that song over and over the flight home from Cancun.

4.) Peter Gabriel's old songs...do not have a favorite but saw him in concert in 1986 and he was amazing.

5.) Against All Odds by Phil Collins...we can do anything just have to try.

Thanks Miss D...made me think a bit.

UPDATE from today's test and more news...

Well, had the echocardiogram earlier today and it went well, I suppose. Will find out when they call me with the results.

Now I have more tests next week. April 3rd I go to give blood they are doing an extensive liver panal. April 4th will be a liver ultrasound. April 4th in the afternoon back to the orthopedist for the back and trigger fingers.

Just wish I can sleep...and tomorrow have an 8 hour class I need to sit through...not sure how that will go.

ADD another pill to the MIX.......

He found inflammation in the esophogus and stomach. He put me on Nexium 40 mg once a day. He also did a biopsy and will get results in a week or so.Tomorrow go for the echocardiogram.

I am now down 24.4 lbs but still retaining water. UGh and still not sleeping well or much at all.

CHANGE of plans and an update on blood test results

Going for my Endoscopy today..they changed the location, it is at 11 am. I am a little nervous. Tomorrow I go for the echocardiogram.

My blood pressure was slightly better not great but 150/84.

My White count was high but he believe of 2 smal cellulitus on my leg so on Keflex for that.

The thyroid numbers were good.

A1c was high but knew it would be. Going to the Endo on April 25th.

Some things on under the CBC were high--the RDW was slightly elevated and the absolute neutrophils were very high. Forgot to ask about this but he did not bring it up.

My cholesterol was over all good if I was normal but I am diabetic and they want the LDL lower. So going to need a med for that.

The big thing is the liver he want to do a whole blood panel on it. I am also going to have US OF it.

Due to the Bumex (diuretic) I am now done 23.8 lbs since March 12th. I still am retaining lots of water.

Any prayers would be appreciated.

My visit with the Cardiologist and a bit worried....

Started with therapy on my back and still hurts so going to call the orthopedist since the PT can not do certain exercises since I can not lay flat on my back.

Then went to the cardiologist....very nice and attentive. My blood pressure was very high for me. So kind of scary. They had 3 different MA's take it before the Dr. came in Then we talked about what is going on with me. I am retaining water in my lower legs. We talked about everything else going on. From the not sleeping to the shortness of breath.

So we started with a chest x-ray in his office...and it should some fluid around the lungs. So we discussed a plan of action. I am now taking Bumex (twice a day) as a diuretic and Potassium (twice a day). I have an echocardiogram scheduled for Friday and doing a Nuclear Stress Test with the dye starting on April 10th it is a 2 day test. Still need to schedule a Spirometry.

My blood results came in and going to my doctor for that tomorrow at 4:15 pm...I know my white count is high, some issues with the A1c and other stuff going on. So looks like more bad new tomorrow. More worrying to do.

The endoscopy for Thursday is cancelled because it is not in my network, so will discuss that tomorrow.

Just sad and tired....very tired.......

I am so tired all the time...not sleeping is killing me. I get maybe 3 hours a night, if I am lucky. I fall asleep and then will wake up and cannot go back to sleep.

My lower back and the muscle right below hurt so bad. I am getting therapy and finally had to call the doctor for some pain meds and muscle relaxer. You would think would make me sleep but just doesn't. That muscle is so tight...walking and standing hurt.

I go to the cardiologist tomorrow and I am very nervous..not sure if they will do any tests but scared. And have the endoscopy Thursday.

I am tired of being tired, tired of not sleeping and tired of just feeling bad.

One positive thing...lost another 4 lbs this week so a total of 15 1/2 lbs in 2 weeks.

GRAINS of GRATITUDE....

1. What a week it has been for me but most of all I was able to help out a very good friend of mine. She lives out of town, and needed to escape for a few days. She flew in Wednesday morning and just left this morning. She was a big help to me as well.

2.) Finally got some pain meds and muscle relaxers for my back and they help somewhat. Do not take them during the day unless not driving. But really need some relief.

3.) I am grateful that Lori was able to come to the doctor with my Wednesday and was not alone. The doctor was very nice and very thorough. and even a bit cautious. This week I go to the cardiologist and have an endoscopy on Thursday. And an appointment in April with the endocrinologist.

4.) I am very PROUD to say in 2 weeks I am down a total of 15 1/2 lbs. I have changed everything in how and what I eat. And when I feel better with my back can add exercise to the picture.

5.) I am just proud of Aviva...she has been is independent this week and a big help to mommy who is still barely sleeping.

Thank you Christine!

UPDATE....on my doctor visit and what is coming up...

The doctor was very nice spent about an hour talking to me and asking questions and examining me. We discussed many different things.

Going to have an endoscopy for heartburn/reflux since had it on and off for a while. Then if I need he will prescribe something. Then talked about shortness of breath...can be weight related, diabetes related or just something going on. So wants me checked out by a cardiologist (his brother). So going to have a chest xray, echocardiogram, stress test and spirometry, and whatever else the cardio wants.

He gave me a name of another endocrinologist so will be calling him tomorrow.Tomorrow I go back for a full blood work up...needed to be fasting. I am retaining water so have to watch sodium intake even more.

But on a good note Spider and I changed up our eating habits a week ago Sunday and do not buy bread anymore among other things. So the past week and a half I am down 13 1/2 lbs.

Update from today....

I am going to the Cardiologist on Tuesday afternoon.

I have my endoscopy on Thursday morning.

I have the endocrinologist April 25th.

Man it is a lot but the doctor is concerned and cautious. I am just scared.

Went to the therapist today and hurt so bad, that called the orthopedist for something for the pain or muscle relaxer. My muscle below the SI joint is so tight and tense even with the therapy.

WENT to the Physical Therapist today.............................

After doing different exams on my back the SI joint and pelvic were out of place. It was not moving when I was walking like it should. So he did somethings to pop back into place and iced it...gave me some exercises today and go back Thursday. It now hurts worse but said that my happen.

He also checked both my ring fingers for triggr finger. They both have it he could feel it in the tendon. SO he worked on that and told me what exercises to do and some massaging.

Tomorrow off to the doctor to take care of the rest of my problems from not sleeping, reflux and some other things.

GRAINS of GRATITUDE.....

It has been an interesting week in our household....thanks to Christine I have a way to look back.

1.) Went to the orthopedist on Wednesday and have issues with my SI Joint but starting Tuesday I will be getting therapy for my back. Which really has been bothering me.

2.) We had a great family outing to a Spring Training game the Mets vs. Orioles...the Mets lost but Aviva had a blast. She was cheering and laughing throughout the game.

3.) I want to say thank you to the amazing HUSBAND I have...we changed so many things this week. We actually cooked dinner together, eaten so much healthier and just more attentive...what a difference that makes.

4.) We started eating healthier and I really watched what I was eating and drumroll please.......I LOST 11 POUNDS....I am shocked and know that next week will be different but hey what a great start to our new way of life.

5.) Aviva had a great week and 2 playdates at our house, and she had lots of fun. And enjoyed riding her two wheeler!!!

CHECK out our day...we had a great time...

even though our team the METS were losing 6-0 after the first inning. It was a surprise for Aviva and she loved it. In the 7th inning a foul ball came within a foot of hitting her in the head, very scary. But hit a seat behind her and bounced forward.

MY POOR BACK....

is really bothering me today. Why did I not ask for something stronger for the pain. I have been standing in the hot shower but not always convienent for me to do that.

So sent Spider out to TARGET to get somethings we needed and he came home with a heating pad. That was such a good thing he did.

So off I go to lay in bed, with my heating pad and hope they send home the right idol..well my girls are still doing great. I liked Brandon.,..oh well, this Sanjai is just one lucky kid...he has the sympathy vote and that is for sure.

First doctor down...more to come....

Well today was my visit to the orthopedist..and must say what a nice gentleman he was. My good friend (more like a mother) recommended him.

We talked about my back first and I explained had this pain over 2 years ago and wondering if it can be the SI Joint. So he felt the area and I did some movements and then took x-rays. And he said yes it is the SI Joint.

Then we talked about the next issue my finger. Well, he x-rayed it but he knew that it was what they call trigger finger.

So he recommended physical therapy 3 times a week for 3 weeks and will see him again in 4 weeks. Last time with my SI joint therapy really helped. So hoping this will be the case again.

Still not sleeping but trying different things and the couch. I am not happy with myself and I have gained weight and that is reason for not sleeping...or wondering cause of the gain it is sleep apnea. I wake up and cannot go back to sleep for long periods of time.

I will hear what the doctor says and go from there.

HELP.....

what I would do for some sleep. I am up all night every night. I am averaging 3 to 4 hours a night...but closer to 3. I am not functioning very well.....but I guess who would be.

I am going to the doctor on the 21st of this month, but would love any ideas that can help me before then.

I can be sitting on my bed or at the computer in the middle of the day and fall asleep. I am so tired. I am fine when driving or outside. Fresh air does help me out.

I cannot get comfortable when I sleep and sometimes feel like there is weight on my chest. So I try to sleep elevated or I go to couch to sleep.

I just feel like I am slowly falling apart.

If you can send some prayers to me and that my appointment next week goes well it would be appreciated.

I have one word to say.....

MEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have no clue how they could be wired so differently then us. And lately, not so understanding of how people of the different sex feel. It amazes me, I truly wonder if they go through PMS and forget everything in how to treat women.

Hoping they get it before it is to late.

GRAINS of GRATITUDE.....

Thank you Christine for sharing this with me....



1). Aviva lost her first tooth and she was so excited until she realized she did not have her tooth (think she swallowed it) and the tooth fairy may not come. But we saved the day and wrote her a note. Aviva was thrilled to wake up at 5 am and find money from the tooth fairy.

2). I took my state exam for Professional Knowledge.....it was very tough....but it is done and hoping I passed.

3). I have a week off between classes and going to enjoy it....have to clean up Aviva's drawers and get rid of clothes she does not wear.

4). I bought tickets as a surprise for Aviva for a girls night out to see Disney on Ice. I cannot wait to see her face when we go...got us great seats too.

5). The weather has been gorgeous lately and we got to spend the whole afternoon with friends at the park on Friday and Aviva went to a pool party with daddy (it was 90 degrees yesterday) for her classmate.

Happy Birthday Cat in the Hat...

AVIVA lost her first tooth and has no clue where it went......

so she cried and said now the tooth fairy will not come. So we wrote her a note. Excuse the tired look we spent 3 hours at the park today.

SEND me positive vibes, thoughts and prayers for tomorrow....

I am taking the state exam for Professional Ed Knowledge tomorrow at 1 PM. So if you can send my some positive vibes they would be truly appreciated.

Thanks!

What American Accent do you Have?..Now you take the quiz!!

What American accent do you have? Your Result: The Northeast   Judging by how you talk you are probably from north Jersey, New York City, Connecticut or Rhode Island. Chances are, if you are from New York City (and not those other places) people would probably be able to tell if they actually heard you speak.
Philadelphia
The Inland North
The Midland
The South
Boston
The West
North Central
What American accent do you have? Quiz Created on GoToQuiz

WANNA feel good then watch this video....

This young man can sing....Von Smith was found on You Tube. Check him out.