I knew it was coming...the dreaded kidney stone. I could feel it Sunday and a little on Monday. By the time I reached Baton Rouge Monday evening, I knew I was in trouble. I writhed and sweated all night. Nothing would ease the pain. By 6am Tuesday morning, I wanted to be HOME.
BIG MISTAKE! What should have taken 2.5 hours to drive home, took almost four hours! I stopped 12 times on the side of the road and was sick. It was horrible. We went straight to the emergency room for IV fluids, pain meds, and an CT scan. I have multiple stones in each kidney, and one in my right is trying to find its way to freedom.
Ahhh, but freedom comes at a price. OUCH. So, I've been lying on the heating pad, watching tv and surfing the web. Hopefully it will be over soon.
In the meantime, anyone have any good websites to share? I've reached the end of the internet!
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Making Friends in a New Some Place
I've been a transplant in MS for almost two years now. I can honestly say that it hasn't been easy living in an unfamiliar place and having to start over with new friends. I've noticed something about this area: it's really hard in infiltrate the groups of friends that were born in the days of playgrounds and/or sippy cups. Lifelong friendships have strong bonds, and they don't readily or easily welcome an outsider.
I'm not saying that people here are unfriendly. Where I'm from, we were the same way. You just get comfortable with the people you've known your whole life in the town you grew up in, and that often makes you unaware that there is a newbie out there who might be a good fit in your life. You just don't think about it when your life is full up with your BFFs, but you sure think about it when you're the newbie.
I believe God took me out of my comfort zone for many reasons. Most involve my family (that's another blog for another day). However, I've had my eyes opened and my perspectives changed on the kinds of friendships I want and need at this stage in my life. God has never really shown me things without allowing me to feel a little pain (ok, most of the time A LOT of pain). I've been brought to tears and near blinding rage with a couple of (what I thought were) friendships I have developed in the short time I've been here. I am thankful for those experiences though, because without them, I'd still be seeking the wrong thing for my life. God knows me better than anyone, and He knows I have to learn the hard way. I'm just thankful that my best interest is always in His plan for my life.
I say all of that to come to this point: Just recently, in the past 6-8 months I've started developing friendships that feel solid. Don't get me wrong, they still feel unfamiliar and clumsy and I still feel so self conscious at times, but I feel that they are RIGHT. One thing I started doing back all those months ago, was praying for God to put in my path godly, Christian women who would build me up and edify me. Women who were the friends He had chosen for me. I believe I've been introduced to one or two of those women.
It's hard not having someone here who I feel like I can and tell the silly things to. It's hard not having someone here who knows what I'm going to say, or what the sound of my voice means, or who would answer my call on the first ring in the middle of the night if I needed her. But, I believe, as I lay my roots down in my new some place, that will happen for me again. I trust Him.
I'm not saying that people here are unfriendly. Where I'm from, we were the same way. You just get comfortable with the people you've known your whole life in the town you grew up in, and that often makes you unaware that there is a newbie out there who might be a good fit in your life. You just don't think about it when your life is full up with your BFFs, but you sure think about it when you're the newbie.
I believe God took me out of my comfort zone for many reasons. Most involve my family (that's another blog for another day). However, I've had my eyes opened and my perspectives changed on the kinds of friendships I want and need at this stage in my life. God has never really shown me things without allowing me to feel a little pain (ok, most of the time A LOT of pain). I've been brought to tears and near blinding rage with a couple of (what I thought were) friendships I have developed in the short time I've been here. I am thankful for those experiences though, because without them, I'd still be seeking the wrong thing for my life. God knows me better than anyone, and He knows I have to learn the hard way. I'm just thankful that my best interest is always in His plan for my life.
I say all of that to come to this point: Just recently, in the past 6-8 months I've started developing friendships that feel solid. Don't get me wrong, they still feel unfamiliar and clumsy and I still feel so self conscious at times, but I feel that they are RIGHT. One thing I started doing back all those months ago, was praying for God to put in my path godly, Christian women who would build me up and edify me. Women who were the friends He had chosen for me. I believe I've been introduced to one or two of those women.
It's hard not having someone here who I feel like I can and tell the silly things to. It's hard not having someone here who knows what I'm going to say, or what the sound of my voice means, or who would answer my call on the first ring in the middle of the night if I needed her. But, I believe, as I lay my roots down in my new some place, that will happen for me again. I trust Him.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Two Days Off
So, as I finished getting ready for work Monday morning, I walked into the bedroom to tell the husband goodbye and to grab my cell and kindle and a sudden sharp pain shot through my chest. It happened when I inhaled, and was on my left side up high by my heart. I wasn't too concerned, because I've had chest pains before. I saw a cardiologist back 5-6 years ago, and he found nothing wrong with my heart. He just chalked it up to stress.
Bobby noticed when I caught my breath and asked me what was wrong. I told him my chest had just started hurting. Again, he was not concerned. This has happened off and on since he's known me.
Anyway, off to school I go. Generally, these pains last only a couple of hours. ALL DAY my chest HURT. I teach, and its hard to to teach without breathing...fyi. When I got home, I was so wiped out from hurting all day, that I lied down on the couch and slept until 8:30. It was impossible to lie on my left side because of the pain.
When I woke up Tuesday morning I was still in a lot of pain. Bobby insisted that I go to the ER since the pain had been constant for over 24 hours. So, off we go. Two and a half hours later, after an EKG and chest x-ray I was told what I already knew: my heart is fine. *sigh* I was diagnosed with costochondritis. Here's what the Mayo Clinic says about it:
Costochondritis is an inflammation of the cartilage that connects a rib to the breastbone (sternum). It causes sharp pain in the costosternal joint — where your ribs and breastbone are joined by rubbery cartilage. Pain caused by costochondritis may mimic that of a heart attack or other heart conditions.
Most cases of costochondritis have no apparent cause. In these cases, treatment focuses on easing your pain while you wait for costochondritis to resolve on its own.
The ER doc also mention pleurisy. I was familiar with both of these terms. This gal is dangerous with google!
Here's what WebMd says about pleurisy:
Pleurisy, also called pleuritis, is an inflammation of the pleura, which is the moist, double-layered membrane that surrounds the lungs and lines the rib cage. The condition can make breathing extremely painful. Sometimes it is associated with another condition called pleural effusion, where excess fluid fills the area between the membrane's layers.
Basically, I have an infection in the cartilage/bones in my chest. Nice to know finally what causes my chest pain. I was given two shots. One was toradol and one was prednisone (one for each hip). I have NEVER reacted to a shot before. However, this time, I started getting really hot and tingly. I lost my peripheral vision and it sounded like everyone was far away and that I had cotton stuffed in my ears. They made me lie down until I felt better. My blood pressure had shot up, and I came very close to fainting. How embarrassing!!
Anyway, I've been taking Motrin 600mg and Ultram since I got home. Although it has really sucked being in so much pain, I did get two days off of work with a doctor's excuse! That's always nice. :)
Ok, on to more important things...like American Idol! What I don't get is that they make it SO obvious that they are lip syncing, yet they still wear the headphones. *eye roll*
I figured Lil would be in the bottom three, but I really didn't think she'd be the one to go. I figured she'd make it until next week. I must say though, she is a classy chick. What a last performance! Lil will definitely be a star if she wants it!
***brief intermission while washed up 70s singers perform***
Ok, disco is clearly dead. No doubt about that.
Not a surprise that Anoop is in the bottom three, but WHAT THE HECK?!?! ALLISON?!?!? I swear, sometimes I think this is rigged. No way she deserved to be in the bottom three! She'd better not go before Matt does! That would be WRONG!
Bye bye Anoop! Now, maybe you can find your razor and shave.
Ok, that's all for now! Got lots to do before bed!
Ridin' the disco train out!
Mandie
Bobby noticed when I caught my breath and asked me what was wrong. I told him my chest had just started hurting. Again, he was not concerned. This has happened off and on since he's known me.
Anyway, off to school I go. Generally, these pains last only a couple of hours. ALL DAY my chest HURT. I teach, and its hard to to teach without breathing...fyi. When I got home, I was so wiped out from hurting all day, that I lied down on the couch and slept until 8:30. It was impossible to lie on my left side because of the pain.
When I woke up Tuesday morning I was still in a lot of pain. Bobby insisted that I go to the ER since the pain had been constant for over 24 hours. So, off we go. Two and a half hours later, after an EKG and chest x-ray I was told what I already knew: my heart is fine. *sigh* I was diagnosed with costochondritis. Here's what the Mayo Clinic says about it:
Costochondritis is an inflammation of the cartilage that connects a rib to the breastbone (sternum). It causes sharp pain in the costosternal joint — where your ribs and breastbone are joined by rubbery cartilage. Pain caused by costochondritis may mimic that of a heart attack or other heart conditions.
Most cases of costochondritis have no apparent cause. In these cases, treatment focuses on easing your pain while you wait for costochondritis to resolve on its own.
The ER doc also mention pleurisy. I was familiar with both of these terms. This gal is dangerous with google!
Here's what WebMd says about pleurisy:
Pleurisy, also called pleuritis, is an inflammation of the pleura, which is the moist, double-layered membrane that surrounds the lungs and lines the rib cage. The condition can make breathing extremely painful. Sometimes it is associated with another condition called pleural effusion, where excess fluid fills the area between the membrane's layers.
Basically, I have an infection in the cartilage/bones in my chest. Nice to know finally what causes my chest pain. I was given two shots. One was toradol and one was prednisone (one for each hip). I have NEVER reacted to a shot before. However, this time, I started getting really hot and tingly. I lost my peripheral vision and it sounded like everyone was far away and that I had cotton stuffed in my ears. They made me lie down until I felt better. My blood pressure had shot up, and I came very close to fainting. How embarrassing!!
Anyway, I've been taking Motrin 600mg and Ultram since I got home. Although it has really sucked being in so much pain, I did get two days off of work with a doctor's excuse! That's always nice. :)
Ok, on to more important things...like American Idol! What I don't get is that they make it SO obvious that they are lip syncing, yet they still wear the headphones. *eye roll*
I figured Lil would be in the bottom three, but I really didn't think she'd be the one to go. I figured she'd make it until next week. I must say though, she is a classy chick. What a last performance! Lil will definitely be a star if she wants it!
***brief intermission while washed up 70s singers perform***
Ok, disco is clearly dead. No doubt about that.
Not a surprise that Anoop is in the bottom three, but WHAT THE HECK?!?! ALLISON?!?!? I swear, sometimes I think this is rigged. No way she deserved to be in the bottom three! She'd better not go before Matt does! That would be WRONG!
Bye bye Anoop! Now, maybe you can find your razor and shave.
Ok, that's all for now! Got lots to do before bed!
Ridin' the disco train out!
Mandie
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
The Very First Blog Posting!
Blogging is something I've always wanted to do. However, technology is a little intimidating to me. I'm all about personal growth, so I'm trying to overcome my fear! Hopefully, over the next few weeks (and definitely during the summer when I have my life back) I can cutesy this thing up a bit. For now, I will deal with the template.
Since it's late, and my meds are kicking in (I'll explain that in a later post) the only thing I want to add to my blog tonight is my thoughts on American Idol. Here goes:
I think they've got it out for Lil, she did MUCH better tonight! Sometimes, I truly think the judges get together and predetermine who they want voted off. There's a lot of power in their comments each week. You can tell by the way America votes.
Kris has turned out to be a dark horse in this competition! He is so sweet, and he has an amazing voice. His ability to transform a song that I hate into one I can tolerate amazes me. He reminds me of David Cook in that aspect. The husband and I were chatting tonight about how much we hope his marriage can survive his fame. They are so young (isn't his wife adorable?!?!), and I'm just wondering how much the wife enjoys the little girls squealing over her husband. That would get OLD. FAST.
Danny ROCKS, and I love his voice. However, I don't think I'd tell him (or any man) on television that I thought his voice was "sexy." Paula is such a COUGER!!
Allison is AMAZING!!! She could possibly be the next Stevie Nicks or Pat Benatar. I can seriously imagine my children at my age knowing who she is (as I know who Stevie and Pat are). She has the talent and potential to leave her mark on the music industry for sure! I am astounded that she is only 16 years old!
Adam...the next American Idol. What else can I say? He doesnt even need to be on the same stage as the other contestants. Get a record deal already, and go make millions!
Matt couldnt have performed a better 70s song, but could have performed the song BETTER. He was trying too hard. I think Simon was right. He sounded "desperate." And with good reason. He has been in the bottom 3, what? two? three times? Tick tock, Matt. Tick tock.
Finally, Anoop...sweet, cute, lovable Anoop. What's up with the scruff on your chinny chin chin and the pink clothing?!?! No. Just No. Keep your bags packed, Anoop, you're a goner. I think my dogs even cringed at that last note.
Anyway, I'm voting for Lil this week, only because she doesn't deserve to go home BEFORE Anoop does.
You could flip a coin between Lil and Matt, though, because it's a toss up on which to toss out.
Can't wait to see which two go home tomorrow night! I bottom three: Anoop, Matt, and Lil ...looks familiar, huh?
My vote on who goes home....Anoop and Matt. The husband says Anoop and Lil.
Please leave your comments! I'd love to hear your AI thoughts!
Since it's late, and my meds are kicking in (I'll explain that in a later post) the only thing I want to add to my blog tonight is my thoughts on American Idol. Here goes:
I think they've got it out for Lil, she did MUCH better tonight! Sometimes, I truly think the judges get together and predetermine who they want voted off. There's a lot of power in their comments each week. You can tell by the way America votes.
Kris has turned out to be a dark horse in this competition! He is so sweet, and he has an amazing voice. His ability to transform a song that I hate into one I can tolerate amazes me. He reminds me of David Cook in that aspect. The husband and I were chatting tonight about how much we hope his marriage can survive his fame. They are so young (isn't his wife adorable?!?!), and I'm just wondering how much the wife enjoys the little girls squealing over her husband. That would get OLD. FAST.
Danny ROCKS, and I love his voice. However, I don't think I'd tell him (or any man) on television that I thought his voice was "sexy." Paula is such a COUGER!!
Allison is AMAZING!!! She could possibly be the next Stevie Nicks or Pat Benatar. I can seriously imagine my children at my age knowing who she is (as I know who Stevie and Pat are). She has the talent and potential to leave her mark on the music industry for sure! I am astounded that she is only 16 years old!
Adam...the next American Idol. What else can I say? He doesnt even need to be on the same stage as the other contestants. Get a record deal already, and go make millions!
Matt couldnt have performed a better 70s song, but could have performed the song BETTER. He was trying too hard. I think Simon was right. He sounded "desperate." And with good reason. He has been in the bottom 3, what? two? three times? Tick tock, Matt. Tick tock.
Finally, Anoop...sweet, cute, lovable Anoop. What's up with the scruff on your chinny chin chin and the pink clothing?!?! No. Just No. Keep your bags packed, Anoop, you're a goner. I think my dogs even cringed at that last note.
Anyway, I'm voting for Lil this week, only because she doesn't deserve to go home BEFORE Anoop does.
You could flip a coin between Lil and Matt, though, because it's a toss up on which to toss out.
Can't wait to see which two go home tomorrow night! I bottom three: Anoop, Matt, and Lil ...looks familiar, huh?
My vote on who goes home....Anoop and Matt. The husband says Anoop and Lil.
Please leave your comments! I'd love to hear your AI thoughts!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)