Update - long!

Hi Gang,


Guess it's time for a bit of an update!

Have been quite sick with respiratory issues basically since the week
before my nephews graduation. Didn't know if I would make it up to his
party or not, but did end up making the 5 hour drive. Was pretty sick
then, but so were quite a few others, so at least I didn't feel bad
about exposing others. Had a nice time with family and enjoyed myself
despite feeling so miserable. Just had to go back to my hotel room and
take lots of naps. Always fun, though, to spend time with family. My
nephew is soooooo excited about moving down state and going to the
University of Michigan, that he can hardly stand it! I, of course, will
love having him so close by for several years!

The constant heat and humidity have only prolonged the struggle with the
breathing issues and made things a little bumpy at times, but thus far
have managed to stay out of the hospital, although at times, barely!!!
God bless my pcp and lung doctor who have had almost daily contact with
me to keep me going and to keep me out of the hospital!

Went in to have my infusions the first week of june, and they were
unable to gain access to my port. Of course, they were also unable to
gain access via regular IV as I am such a hard stick! So, this past
wednesday, it was back to the
U of M hospital to have the port assessed and to try to figure out why
it was no longer working. I was so praying for an easy solution, but
that was not to be. Turned out that the port had clotted off, so it was
back to the OR to remove the old port and to place a new one. Got it
done, but with lots of trouble. My BP kept dropping and they had to
keep turning my oxygen up. Twice they actually stopped in the middle of
the procedures and ask me if I was ok, was I feeling weak or like I was
going to black out. Guess my bp and low oxygen levels were really
freaking them out. At one point I burst into tears and told them to
just hurry up and get things finished. I was having enough trouble with
staying calm as they had the sterile drapes over my face which makes me
claustrophobic, and then because of the issues with the bp and oxygen
levels, they could only give me about half of the sedation that they
gave me the last time. I just wanted the stuff off of my face! 7 hours
after I arrived at the hospital, I finally was discharged home! Phew,
was I happy to get home to my own bed and pretty much slept the rest of
the day, except when I got up to take something for the pain and to get
something to drink! I'm thinking I'll just pass on this months infusions
and wait for next months to roll around. The doctor that put the new
port in did tell me that if I continue to have problems with ports
clotting off after such short periods of time, they would have to
consider putting me on coumadin and that is something I really would
like to avoid if at all possible!

My rehab doctor wants me to try synvisc for my knee until the knee
replacement surgery gets cleared by all my doctors. I have to first get
tested to make sure I am not allergic to the stuff as I do have an
allergy to feathers and since the stuff is made from some part of
chickens or birds, they want to be sure before undertaking this.

Am in the midst of making arrangements for another round of rituxan for
the RA. Probably won't happen until about july or august by the time we
get all the paper work done and things approved and then scheduled.

Have had a few more ear infections, but at least not to the point where
I have lost any more of my hearing, thank goodness.

It's been a long few months and I have been a bit overwhelmed with
doctors appointments and such. Told my counselor that if feels like
the only social life I have any more is doctors appointments and I am
tired of them. Want to just pull the covers over my head at times and
say screw it all. The counselor said it was ok to do that and to cancel
appointments for a few weeks if I needed to, just don't do it for more
than a month.

It all gets so old sometimes and I know you all know exactly what I am
talking about!!!

Besides the health issues, caring for parents who both have health
issues
( mom = emphysema, dad = alzheimers), I have a niece who has really
become out of control behavior wise. She is only 14 and it is just so
heartbreaking to see. She recently spent 2-3 weeks in a home for
wayward teens to give all of them time to cool down and try to deal with
each other in the family in a better way. Very short lived as my niece
really knows how to push everyones buttons and ended up getting herself
kicked out of school for the last 3 weeks. Ugggh. It is so sad and so
hard to understand.

Sometimes you just cry yourself to sleep over the young ones and the
choices they make!!!

I just pray that she survives this phase she is in, as she really is
making some horrible and unsafe choices in her life!

Well, that's about it. Sorry if it all sounds so whiny, but that is
where my life is these days.

Blessings, good health, pain free days, and comfortable weather to all
of you my awesome ASA family!!!


Hugs,

..
..
..
..

Donna
..
..
..
..
1.) ANGELS EXIST, but some times, since they don't all have wings, we
call them FRIENDS......


2.) J.K.M.A.

(((((((((((((((((((((Donna)))))))))))))))))))))
((((((((((((((((((((((Donna)))))))))))))))))))))))

I figured with all of that, that you needed two sets of hugs!
Love from all of us and lots of prayers.

--
Navy
Take out the FISH to email me.
"Donna G." <DKGBeeker@webtv.net> wrote in message
news:6577-485496AD-433@storefull-3117.bay.webtv.net...
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Hi Gang,
>
>
> Guess it's time for a bit of an update!
>
> Have been quite sick with respiratory issues basically since the week
> before my nephews graduation. Didn't know if I would make it up to his
> party or not, but did end up making the 5 hour drive. Was pretty sick
> then, but so were quite a few others, so at least I didn't feel bad
> about exposing others. Had a nice time with family and enjoyed myself
> despite feeling so miserable. Just had to go back to my hotel room and
> take lots of naps. Always fun, though, to spend time with family. My
> nephew is soooooo excited about moving down state and going to the
> University of Michigan, that he can hardly stand it! I, of course, will
> love having him so close by for several years!
>
> The constant heat and humidity have only prolonged the struggle with the
> breathing issues and made things a little bumpy at times, but thus far
> have managed to stay out of the hospital, although at times, barely!!!
> God bless my pcp and lung doctor who have had almost daily contact with
> me to keep me going and to keep me out of the hospital!
>
> Went in to have my infusions the first week of june, and they were
> unable to gain access to my port. Of course, they were also unable to
> gain access via regular IV as I am such a hard stick! So, this past
> wednesday, it was back to the
> U of M hospital to have the port assessed and to try to figure out why
> it was no longer working. I was so praying for an easy solution, but
> that was not to be. Turned out that the port had clotted off, so it was
> back to the OR to remove the old port and to place a new one. Got it
> done, but with lots of trouble. My BP kept dropping and they had to
> keep turning my oxygen up. Twice they actually stopped in the middle of
> the procedures and ask me if I was ok, was I feeling weak or like I was
> going to black out. Guess my bp and low oxygen levels were really
> freaking them out. At one point I burst into tears and told them to
> just hurry up and get things finished. I was having enough trouble with
> staying calm as they had the sterile drapes over my face which makes me
> claustrophobic, and then because of the issues with the bp and oxygen
> levels, they could only give me about half of the sedation that they
> gave me the last time. I just wanted the stuff off of my face! 7 hours
> after I arrived at the hospital, I finally was discharged home! Phew,
> was I happy to get home to my own bed and pretty much slept the rest of
> the day, except when I got up to take something for the pain and to get
> something to drink! I'm thinking I'll just pass on this months infusions
> and wait for next months to roll around. The doctor that put the new
> port in did tell me that if I continue to have problems with ports
> clotting off after such short periods of time, they would have to
> consider putting me on coumadin and that is something I really would
> like to avoid if at all possible!
>
> My rehab doctor wants me to try synvisc for my knee until the knee
> replacement surgery gets cleared by all my doctors. I have to first get
> tested to make sure I am not allergic to the stuff as I do have an
> allergy to feathers and since the stuff is made from some part of
> chickens or birds, they want to be sure before undertaking this.
>
> Am in the midst of making arrangements for another round of rituxan for
> the RA. Probably won't happen until about july or august by the time we
> get all the paper work done and things approved and then scheduled.
>
> Have had a few more ear infections, but at least not to the point where
> I have lost any more of my hearing, thank goodness.
>
> It's been a long few months and I have been a bit overwhelmed with
> doctors appointments and such. Told my counselor that if feels like
> the only social life I have any more is doctors appointments and I am
> tired of them. Want to just pull the covers over my head at times and
> say screw it all. The counselor said it was ok to do that and to cancel
> appointments for a few weeks if I needed to, just don't do it for more
> than a month.
>
> It all gets so old sometimes and I know you all know exactly what I am
> talking about!!!
>
> Besides the health issues, caring for parents who both have health
> issues
> ( mom = emphysema, dad = alzheimers), I have a niece who has really
> become out of control behavior wise. She is only 14 and it is just so
> heartbreaking to see. She recently spent 2-3 weeks in a home for
> wayward teens to give all of them time to cool down and try to deal with
> each other in the family in a better way. Very short lived as my niece
> really knows how to push everyones buttons and ended up getting herself
> kicked out of school for the last 3 weeks. Ugggh. It is so sad and so
> hard to understand.
>
> Sometimes you just cry yourself to sleep over the young ones and the
> choices they make!!!
>
> I just pray that she survives this phase she is in, as she really is
> making some horrible and unsafe choices in her life!
>
> Well, that's about it. Sorry if it all sounds so whiny, but that is
> where my life is these days.
>
> Blessings, good health, pain free days, and comfortable weather to all
> of you my awesome ASA family!!!
>
>
> Hugs,
>
> .
> .
> .
> .
>
> Donna
> .
> .
> .
> .
> 1.) ANGELS EXIST, but some times, since they don't all have wings, we
> call them FRIENDS......
>
>
> 2.) J.K.M.A.
>

Oh, Honey - I know that feeling of trying to be brave and courteous and then
just snapping and wanting it to be OVER! I'm so glad it's done now. Welcome
home and get some rest.

DeeTee

"Donna G." <DKGBeeker@webtv.net> wrote in message
news:6577-485496AD-433@storefull-3117.bay.webtv.net...
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Hi Gang,
>
>
> Guess it's time for a bit of an update!
>
> Have been quite sick with respiratory issues basically since the week
> before my nephews graduation. Didn't know if I would make it up to his
> party or not, but did end up making the 5 hour drive. Was pretty sick
> then, but so were quite a few others, so at least I didn't feel bad
> about exposing others. Had a nice time with family and enjoyed myself
> despite feeling so miserable. Just had to go back to my hotel room and
> take lots of naps. Always fun, though, to spend time with family. My
> nephew is soooooo excited about moving down state and going to the
> University of Michigan, that he can hardly stand it! I, of course, will
> love having him so close by for several years!
>
> The constant heat and humidity have only prolonged the struggle with the
> breathing issues and made things a little bumpy at times, but thus far
> have managed to stay out of the hospital, although at times, barely!!!
> God bless my pcp and lung doctor who have had almost daily contact with
> me to keep me going and to keep me out of the hospital!
>
> Went in to have my infusions the first week of june, and they were
> unable to gain access to my port. Of course, they were also unable to
> gain access via regular IV as I am such a hard stick! So, this past
> wednesday, it was back to the
> U of M hospital to have the port assessed and to try to figure out why
> it was no longer working. I was so praying for an easy solution, but
> that was not to be. Turned out that the port had clotted off, so it was
> back to the OR to remove the old port and to place a new one. Got it
> done, but with lots of trouble. My BP kept dropping and they had to
> keep turning my oxygen up. Twice they actually stopped in the middle of
> the procedures and ask me if I was ok, was I feeling weak or like I was
> going to black out. Guess my bp and low oxygen levels were really
> freaking them out. At one point I burst into tears and told them to
> just hurry up and get things finished. I was having enough trouble with
> staying calm as they had the sterile drapes over my face which makes me
> claustrophobic, and then because of the issues with the bp and oxygen
> levels, they could only give me about half of the sedation that they
> gave me the last time. I just wanted the stuff off of my face! 7 hours
> after I arrived at the hospital, I finally was discharged home! Phew,
> was I happy to get home to my own bed and pretty much slept the rest of
> the day, except when I got up to take something for the pain and to get
> something to drink! I'm thinking I'll just pass on this months infusions
> and wait for next months to roll around. The doctor that put the new
> port in did tell me that if I continue to have problems with ports
> clotting off after such short periods of time, they would have to
> consider putting me on coumadin and that is something I really would
> like to avoid if at all possible!
>
> My rehab doctor wants me to try synvisc for my knee until the knee
> replacement surgery gets cleared by all my doctors. I have to first get
> tested to make sure I am not allergic to the stuff as I do have an
> allergy to feathers and since the stuff is made from some part of
> chickens or birds, they want to be sure before undertaking this.
>
> Am in the midst of making arrangements for another round of rituxan for
> the RA. Probably won't happen until about july or august by the time we
> get all the paper work done and things approved and then scheduled.
>
> Have had a few more ear infections, but at least not to the point where
> I have lost any more of my hearing, thank goodness.
>
> It's been a long few months and I have been a bit overwhelmed with
> doctors appointments and such. Told my counselor that if feels like
> the only social life I have any more is doctors appointments and I am
> tired of them. Want to just pull the covers over my head at times and
> say screw it all. The counselor said it was ok to do that and to cancel
> appointments for a few weeks if I needed to, just don't do it for more
> than a month.
>
> It all gets so old sometimes and I know you all know exactly what I am
> talking about!!!
>
> Besides the health issues, caring for parents who both have health
> issues
> ( mom = emphysema, dad = alzheimers), I have a niece who has really
> become out of control behavior wise. She is only 14 and it is just so
> heartbreaking to see. She recently spent 2-3 weeks in a home for
> wayward teens to give all of them time to cool down and try to deal with
> each other in the family in a better way. Very short lived as my niece
> really knows how to push everyones buttons and ended up getting herself
> kicked out of school for the last 3 weeks. Ugggh. It is so sad and so
> hard to understand.
>
> Sometimes you just cry yourself to sleep over the young ones and the
> choices they make!!!
>
> I just pray that she survives this phase she is in, as she really is
> making some horrible and unsafe choices in her life!
>
> Well, that's about it. Sorry if it all sounds so whiny, but that is
> where my life is these days.
>
> Blessings, good health, pain free days, and comfortable weather to all
> of you my awesome ASA family!!!
>
>
> Hugs,
>
> .
> .
> .
> .
>
> Donna
> .
> .
> .
> .
> 1.) ANGELS EXIST, but some times, since they don't all have wings, we
> call them FRIENDS......
>
>
> 2.) J.K.M.A.
>

donna, i can't believe all you have going on! i'm so glad you told us
all of that. not whiny at all. prayers coming for you and your
family. . . and especially your niece.

diane

Hi Donna,
Thank-you for the update. I am sorry to hear about all that you are
going through. I can definitely see how the humidity would affect your
breathing problems. I don't have such issues, but when I go to humid
areas it feels like an assault as all that damp air hits the old body.
We are exceptionally dry here (usually) and lots of people with
breathing issues come here for that reason.

I am sorry to hear about your neice. It seems that some need to learn
by experience and have to go through the school of hard knocks.
Unfortunately those 'knocks' can have lasting implications that hurt
others beside the individuals involved. I see it in my class; some
students no matter how often they are told and no matter what
consequences they are given, continue their own way. It is difficult
to watch.

Keep us posted on the rituxan. It is too bad that the infusions have
to be such a procedure.

I am thinking of you and wishing for the best.
Rose @}->--
Being educated means that rather than fearing the unknown,
one seeks to understand it.

Please remove "Ima" to reply.

Donna,
We never hear a complaint from you until things build up. Please let us
give you support through the daily things too. I hope the port will
work this time without clotting and if you could get rid of the humidity
(like has happened here), your breathing is certain to be better. As
for the teenager....there is not a whole lot to be done except to ride
it out and hope for the best. It seems their brains just don't mature
at the same rate their bodies do.
Will keep you in my prayers.
Ann

Thanks, everyone for the hugs and the support, and especially for the
prayers for my niece.

I think the situation with my niece is the most stressful and
heartbreaking of all the stuff and it the thing that I really can't do
much about. It truly breaks my heart to watch her make the choices she
is making and to destroy the relationships to the people that could
really be of some help to her, like her teachers, her family, etc.

Anyways, just pray that she can realize what she is doing at some point
and that she can turn her life around. Also that she would just know
how very much she is loved by all of her family!!!

..
..
..
..

Donna
..
..
..
..
1.) ANGELS EXIST, but some times, since they don't all have wings, we
call them FRIENDS......


2.) J.K.M.A.

Rose,


Are you familiar with a condition called ODD? My niece has ADHD, but
they also think she may have some other mental health disorders, and the
ODD seems to be the one they are focussing on at the moment. She was
evaluated by a psychiatrist this past week, haven't heard how that went
yet. Knowing my niece, though, it didn't go smoothly.

..
..
..
..

Donna
..
..
..
..
1.) ANGELS EXIST, but some times, since they don't all have wings, we
call them FRIENDS......


2.) J.K.M.A.

Hi Donna,
Yes I am familiar with Oppositional Defiance Disorder, unfortunately.
Rose @}->--
Being educated means that rather than fearing the unknown,
one seeks to understand it.

Please remove "Ima" to reply.

Donna, really bad that the port clogged and you had to have another put in.
Do pray it will stay good and you can get your infustion next time you go.
You had enough problems without that. I take 3 mg of coumnadin every night
and so far am doing really well on it. It took a while to get it leveled
out, but have been on the 3 mg for about 3 months now.

The weather certainly does affect your breathing and that makes everything
worse. All the other things just add to the misery.

Will be praying for you, your parents and your niece. Looking forward to
your nephew getting closer by soon will hopefully keep all the other things
off your mind all the time.

My heart really goes out to you.
Gwen

************************************************** *********
Don't worry about tomorrow. God is already there!


"Donna G." <DKGBeeker@webtv.net> wrote in message
news:6577-485496AD-433@storefull-3117.bay.webtv.net...








Hi Gang,


Guess it's time for a bit of an update!

Have been quite sick with respiratory issues basically since the week
before my nephews graduation. Didn't know if I would make it up to his
party or not, but did end up making the 5 hour drive. Was pretty sick
then, but so were quite a few others, so at least I didn't feel bad
about exposing others. Had a nice time with family and enjoyed myself
despite feeling so miserable. Just had to go back to my hotel room and
take lots of naps. Always fun, though, to spend time with family. My
nephew is soooooo excited about moving down state and going to the
University of Michigan, that he can hardly stand it! I, of course, will
love having him so close by for several years!

The constant heat and humidity have only prolonged the struggle with the
breathing issues and made things a little bumpy at times, but thus far
have managed to stay out of the hospital, although at times, barely!!!
God bless my pcp and lung doctor who have had almost daily contact with
me to keep me going and to keep me out of the hospital!

Went in to have my infusions the first week of june, and they were
unable to gain access to my port. Of course, they were also unable to
gain access via regular IV as I am such a hard stick! So, this past
wednesday, it was back to the
U of M hospital to have the port assessed and to try to figure out why
it was no longer working. I was so praying for an easy solution, but
that was not to be. Turned out that the port had clotted off, so it was
back to the OR to remove the old port and to place a new one. Got it
done, but with lots of trouble. My BP kept dropping and they had to
keep turning my oxygen up. Twice they actually stopped in the middle of
the procedures and ask me if I was ok, was I feeling weak or like I was
going to black out. Guess my bp and low oxygen levels were really
freaking them out. At one point I burst into tears and told them to
just hurry up and get things finished. I was having enough trouble with
staying calm as they had the sterile drapes over my face which makes me
claustrophobic, and then because of the issues with the bp and oxygen
levels, they could only give me about half of the sedation that they
gave me the last time. I just wanted the stuff off of my face! 7 hours
after I arrived at the hospital, I finally was discharged home! Phew,
was I happy to get home to my own bed and pretty much slept the rest of
the day, except when I got up to take something for the pain and to get
something to drink! I'm thinking I'll just pass on this months infusions
and wait for next months to roll around. The doctor that put the new
port in did tell me that if I continue to have problems with ports
clotting off after such short periods of time, they would have to
consider putting me on coumadin and that is something I really would
like to avoid if at all possible!

My rehab doctor wants me to try synvisc for my knee until the knee
replacement surgery gets cleared by all my doctors. I have to first get
tested to make sure I am not allergic to the stuff as I do have an
allergy to feathers and since the stuff is made from some part of
chickens or birds, they want to be sure before undertaking this.

Am in the midst of making arrangements for another round of rituxan for
the RA. Probably won't happen until about july or august by the time we
get all the paper work done and things approved and then scheduled.

Have had a few more ear infections, but at least not to the point where
I have lost any more of my hearing, thank goodness.

It's been a long few months and I have been a bit overwhelmed with
doctors appointments and such. Told my counselor that if feels like
the only social life I have any more is doctors appointments and I am
tired of them. Want to just pull the covers over my head at times and
say screw it all. The counselor said it was ok to do that and to cancel
appointments for a few weeks if I needed to, just don't do it for more
than a month.

It all gets so old sometimes and I know you all know exactly what I am
talking about!!!

Besides the health issues, caring for parents who both have health
issues
( mom = emphysema, dad = alzheimers), I have a niece who has really
become out of control behavior wise. She is only 14 and it is just so
heartbreaking to see. She recently spent 2-3 weeks in a home for
wayward teens to give all of them time to cool down and try to deal with
each other in the family in a better way. Very short lived as my niece
really knows how to push everyones buttons and ended up getting herself
kicked out of school for the last 3 weeks. Ugggh. It is so sad and so
hard to understand.

Sometimes you just cry yourself to sleep over the young ones and the
choices they make!!!

I just pray that she survives this phase she is in, as she really is
making some horrible and unsafe choices in her life!

Well, that's about it. Sorry if it all sounds so whiny, but that is
where my life is these days.

Blessings, good health, pain free days, and comfortable weather to all
of you my awesome ASA family!!!


Hugs,

..
..
..
..

Donna
..
..
..
..
1.) ANGELS EXIST, but some times, since they don't all have wings, we
call them FRIENDS......


2.) J.K.M.A.

OH Donna, so sorry to hear this about you being ill again and for so long. I
hope you are doing much better. Prayers coming that way.

I am sorry the port was such a problem and issue for you. I hope you never
have to have it changed again. I can understand the claustrophobia with the
drapes over your face. I feel for you.

I feel for you and your allergy to feathers. I hope it works out ok and that
you will be able to still have the knee replacement surgery done.

I didn't know you were taking care of your parents too. I don't know how you
do it. I hope your neice will straighten out and soon.

You take care and get well sweetie. You have surely had a time of it for the
last few years.


--
Love and Hugs to all
Jo the squirrely one
I am nuts about you.
>
> Hi Gang,
>
> Guess it's time for a bit of an update!
>
> Have been quite sick with respiratory issues basically since the week
> before my nephews graduation. Didn't know if I would make it up to his
> party or not, but did end up making the 5 hour drive. Was pretty sick
> then, but so were quite a few others, so at least I didn't feel bad
> about exposing others. Had a nice time with family and enjoyed myself
> despite feeling so miserable. Just had to go back to my hotel room and
> take lots of naps. Always fun, though, to spend time with family. My
> nephew is soooooo excited about moving down state and going to the
> University of Michigan, that he can hardly stand it! I, of course, will
> love having him so close by for several years!
>
> The constant heat and humidity have only prolonged the struggle with the
> breathing issues and made things a little bumpy at times, but thus far
> have managed to stay out of the hospital, although at times, barely!!!
> God bless my pcp and lung doctor who have had almost daily contact with
> me to keep me going and to keep me out of the hospital!
>
> Went in to have my infusions the first week of june, and they were
> unable to gain access to my port. Of course, they were also unable to
> gain access via regular IV as I am such a hard stick! So, this past
> wednesday, it was back to the
> U of M hospital to have the port assessed and to try to figure out why
> it was no longer working. I was so praying for an easy solution, but
> that was not to be. Turned out that the port had clotted off, so it was
> back to the OR to remove the old port and to place a new one. Got it
> done, but with lots of trouble. My BP kept dropping and they had to
> keep turning my oxygen up. Twice they actually stopped in the middle of
> the procedures and ask me if I was ok, was I feeling weak or like I was
> going to black out. Guess my bp and low oxygen levels were really
> freaking them out. At one point I burst into tears and told them to
> just hurry up and get things finished. I was having enough trouble with
> staying calm as they had the sterile drapes over my face which makes me
> claustrophobic, and then because of the issues with the bp and oxygen
> levels, they could only give me about half of the sedation that they
> gave me the last time. I just wanted the stuff off of my face! 7 hours
> after I arrived at the hospital, I finally was discharged home! Phew,
> was I happy to get home to my own bed and pretty much slept the rest of
> the day, except when I got up to take something for the pain and to get
> something to drink! I'm thinking I'll just pass on this months infusions
> and wait for next months to roll around. The doctor that put the new
> port in did tell me that if I continue to have problems with ports
> clotting off after such short periods of time, they would have to
> consider putting me on coumadin and that is something I really would
> like to avoid if at all possible!
>
> My rehab doctor wants me to try synvisc for my knee until the knee
> replacement surgery gets cleared by all my doctors. I have to first get
> tested to make sure I am not allergic to the stuff as I do have an
> allergy to feathers and since the stuff is made from some part of
> chickens or birds, they want to be sure before undertaking this.
>
> Am in the midst of making arrangements for another round of rituxan for
> the RA. Probably won't happen until about july or august by the time we
> get all the paper work done and things approved and then scheduled.
>
> Have had a few more ear infections, but at least not to the point where
> I have lost any more of my hearing, thank goodness.
>
> It's been a long few months and I have been a bit overwhelmed with
> doctors appointments and such. Told my counselor that if feels like
> the only social life I have any more is doctors appointments and I am
> tired of them. Want to just pull the covers over my head at times and
> say screw it all. The counselor said it was ok to do that and to cancel
> appointments for a few weeks if I needed to, just don't do it for more
> than a month.
>
> It all gets so old sometimes and I know you all know exactly what I am
> talking about!!!
>
> Besides the health issues, caring for parents who both have health
> issues
> ( mom = emphysema, dad = alzheimers), I have a niece who has really
> become out of control behavior wise. She is only 14 and it is just so
> heartbreaking to see. She recently spent 2-3 weeks in a home for
> wayward teens to give all of them time to cool down and try to deal with
> each other in the family in a better way. Very short lived as my niece
> really knows how to push everyones buttons and ended up getting herself
> kicked out of school for the last 3 weeks. Ugggh. It is so sad and so
> hard to understand.
>
> Sometimes you just cry yourself to sleep over the young ones and the
> choices they make!!!
>
> I just pray that she survives this phase she is in, as she really is
> making some horrible and unsafe choices in her life!
>
> Well, that's about it. Sorry if it all sounds so whiny, but that is
> where my life is these days.
>
> Blessings, good health, pain free days, and comfortable weather to all
> of you my awesome ASA family!!!
>
> Hugs,
>
> Donna

"Donna G." <DKGBeeker@webtv.net> wrote in message
news:6577-485496AD-433@storefull-3117.bay.webtv.net...
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Hi Gang,
>
>
> Guess it's time for a bit of an update!
>
> Have been quite sick with respiratory issues basically since the week
> before my nephews graduation. Didn't know if I would make it up to his
> party or not, but did end up making the 5 hour drive. Was pretty sick
> then, but so were quite a few others, so at least I didn't feel bad
> about exposing others. Had a nice time with family and enjoyed myself
> despite feeling so miserable. Just had to go back to my hotel room and
> take lots of naps. Always fun, though, to spend time with family. My
> nephew is soooooo excited about moving down state and going to the
> University of Michigan, that he can hardly stand it! I, of course, will
> love having him so close by for several years!
>
> The constant heat and humidity have only prolonged the struggle with the
> breathing issues and made things a little bumpy at times, but thus far
> have managed to stay out of the hospital, although at times, barely!!!
> God bless my pcp and lung doctor who have had almost daily contact with
> me to keep me going and to keep me out of the hospital!
>
> Went in to have my infusions the first week of june, and they were
> unable to gain access to my port. Of course, they were also unable to
> gain access via regular IV as I am such a hard stick! So, this past
> wednesday, it was back to the
> U of M hospital to have the port assessed and to try to figure out why
> it was no longer working. I was so praying for an easy solution, but
> that was not to be. Turned out that the port had clotted off, so it was
> back to the OR to remove the old port and to place a new one. Got it
> done, but with lots of trouble. My BP kept dropping and they had to
> keep turning my oxygen up. Twice they actually stopped in the middle of
> the procedures and ask me if I was ok, was I feeling weak or like I was
> going to black out. Guess my bp and low oxygen levels were really
> freaking them out. At one point I burst into tears and told them to
> just hurry up and get things finished. I was having enough trouble with
> staying calm as they had the sterile drapes over my face which makes me
> claustrophobic, and then because of the issues with the bp and oxygen
> levels, they could only give me about half of the sedation that they
> gave me the last time. I just wanted the stuff off of my face! 7 hours
> after I arrived at the hospital, I finally was discharged home! Phew,
> was I happy to get home to my own bed and pretty much slept the rest of
> the day, except when I got up to take something for the pain and to get
> something to drink! I'm thinking I'll just pass on this months infusions
> and wait for next months to roll around. The doctor that put the new
> port in did tell me that if I continue to have problems with ports
> clotting off after such short periods of time, they would have to
> consider putting me on coumadin and that is something I really would
> like to avoid if at all possible!
>
> My rehab doctor wants me to try synvisc for my knee until the knee
> replacement surgery gets cleared by all my doctors. I have to first get
> tested to make sure I am not allergic to the stuff as I do have an
> allergy to feathers and since the stuff is made from some part of
> chickens or birds, they want to be sure before undertaking this.
>
> Am in the midst of making arrangements for another round of rituxan for
> the RA. Probably won't happen until about july or august by the time we
> get all the paper work done and things approved and then scheduled.
>
> Have had a few more ear infections, but at least not to the point where
> I have lost any more of my hearing, thank goodness.
>
> It's been a long few months and I have been a bit overwhelmed with
> doctors appointments and such. Told my counselor that if feels like
> the only social life I have any more is doctors appointments and I am
> tired of them. Want to just pull the covers over my head at times and
> say screw it all. The counselor said it was ok to do that and to cancel
> appointments for a few weeks if I needed to, just don't do it for more
> than a month.
>
> It all gets so old sometimes and I know you all know exactly what I am
> talking about!!!
>
> Besides the health issues, caring for parents who both have health
> issues
> ( mom = emphysema, dad = alzheimers), I have a niece who has really
> become out of control behavior wise. She is only 14 and it is just so
> heartbreaking to see. She recently spent 2-3 weeks in a home for
> wayward teens to give all of them time to cool down and try to deal with
> each other in the family in a better way. Very short lived as my niece
> really knows how to push everyones buttons and ended up getting herself
> kicked out of school for the last 3 weeks. Ugggh. It is so sad and so
> hard to understand.
>
> Sometimes you just cry yourself to sleep over the young ones and the
> choices they make!!!
>
> I just pray that she survives this phase she is in, as she really is
> making some horrible and unsafe choices in her life!
>
> Well, that's about it. Sorry if it all sounds so whiny, but that is
> where my life is these days.
>
> Blessings, good health, pain free days, and comfortable weather to all
> of you my awesome ASA family!!!
>
>
> Hugs,
>
> .
> .
> .
> .
>
> Donna
> .
> .
> .
> .
> 1.) ANGELS EXIST, but some times, since they don't all have wings, we
> call them FRIENDS......
>
>
> 2.) J.K.M.A.
>
Wow, you have been through the wringer!

Lots and lots of hugs!

Nell

Hi SJ,


I am not taking care of my parents alone. There are 5 of us kids to
split the care between and we all try to do our part so no one person
has to do it all. They actually live several hours from me, so my one
brother does most of the checking up on them in person. For some
reason, my mom seems to rely/depend on each one of us for certain
things. I usually try to call her and check in with them at least 3-4
times a week, but often she will call one of us girls when she is down
and depressed or frustrated about something. Like the other night (the
day I had the whole port thing done) she called me in tears and said she
couldn't take my dad anymore and she didn't know what to do. After a
while of talking, she was fine, but it does get to be a bit draining,
especially when we have all talked to them about moving to an assisted
living place or paying to have someone come in and help with care and
give my mom a bit of respite, but they are stubborn and she refuses most
help at this point except from her children. I also help my mom when
she has problems with insurance companies or billing or with doctors. I
usually have her make a list of things to ask the doctors that we kids
want to know as well as things she needs to know!

In any case, I know many here have been there done that or are in the
throws of caring for aging parents. I have to say, though, alzheimers
is one horrendous disease to watch someone suffer with. It truly robs a
person of so much of who they used to be!

Usually when I am up north, my mom relies on me to drive her everywhere
she likes to go, but that my dad either refuses to go or that she
doesn't want to take him with her. For example, while up there over
memorial day weekend, we went to the cemetary to put a plant on my
brothers grave and make sure his grave site was nice and cleaned up.
Then we went to a few stores that she wanted to go to and finally to the
grocery store and then I dropped her back at the house. Got the
shopping bags and groceries in the house and then I went back to the
hotel and collapsed for a few hours.

Anyways, SJ, just wanted you to know that I'm not caring for my parents
alone, thank goodness. My brothers and sister are all good about doing
their parts as well. What a blessing!!!

..
..
..
..

Donna
..
..
..
..
1.) ANGELS EXIST, but some times, since they don't all have wings, we
call them FRIENDS......


2.) J.K.M.A.

Breathe and prioritize Donna! Okay - first off - you! You are the most
important thing right ever. Time to treat yourself to a special time. Maybe
that special time is coffee out with a good friend or maybe in an
airconditioned place for a pedicure. I agree - form a doctor free zone for
a time - only maybe that time will be short but it will be doctor free!
Tell them that Wednesday or whatever is for you - not doctors. Don't think
of them on that day unless it is to throw darts at the devils. No thinking
about any health problems that day either - tell your body you are going on
strike for that day only. No complaints, no pains, no breathing problems -
nada for one day! Family - oh don't get me started! Okay again let's
prioritize. Family get to air their problems on Thursday - not Wednesday.
No dementia, no complaints about "you never visit every day anymore", she
wouldn't be that way if it weren't for you (can you tell me in-laws are
driving me crazy - shoot me before I get old please?????). Just one day a
week don't worry about that which none of us can fix anyway. Your neice
will most likely grow out of some of this stuff but might not. All we can
do is pray. No amount of reasoning on any of our parts will help - only
love and prayer. But not on Wednesday - that is your day!

It has been a long haul Donna and we both know it is never over. However
you need a break - so Wednesday is your break. I will be cleaning your
house in my dreams that day, fixing you tea and eating chocolate with you
(by the way in your dreams eating chocolate never gives acid reflux - just
so you know). You can sleep in, don't answer any doctor's calls, relax in
any means you want. Anyone who is around can join us - all they have to do
is send an email to you with only good happy things to say - I don't mean
prayers or thoughts - those go without saying and remind us that we have
something that needs prayers. On Wednesday everyone has to only write
emails with funny things that happened to them, how their joint in their
tiny finger doesn't hurt and isn't that great! Tell us about the sunset in
the distance, about the sunrise you saw that day. On Wednesday tell us
about how you said hi and smiled at another person that day. Tell us about
the shoes that you dreamed about that fit and how pretty they were (don't
tell us they didn't fit or you could never wear six inch shoes ever - we
know that but wouldn't it be wonderful.)

Maybe for one day we can make the pain go away - a little. Or maybe for one
day we make the world go away and we wallow in the pain by ourself. But
everyone needs a break and Wednesday (or the day you deem so and tell us)
will be yours. Then the world revolves again on Thursday and reality
crashes but just maybe your mind and body will have had 24 hour break. This
I wish for you my friend because you have far too much on your plate and it
is going to crack. That would hurt me too much - it does hurt me too much.

Hugs and a quote from my fridge (actually a couple - that is where I remind
myself what is what): "Never, Never, Never give up!" "I try to take one
day at a time but sometimes several days attack me at once!" and A woman
should have a set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill, and a black lace
bra....A woman should have a friend who always makes her laugh and a friend
who lets her cry"

So tell us what you are going to do on your special day. Something to
recharge you so the other days don't attack you so much. You can only
handle so much Donna - and life is throwing too much at you right now. Give
yourself just one day this month! Let us know the day and we will be behind
you celebrating.

Hugs and lots of love,
Kelly

"Donna G." <DKGBeeker@webtv.net> wrote in message
news:6577-485496AD-433@storefull-3117.bay.webtv.net...
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Hi Gang,
>
>
> Guess it's time for a bit of an update!
>
> Have been quite sick with respiratory issues basically since the week
> before my nephews graduation. Didn't know if I would make it up to his
> party or not, but did end up making the 5 hour drive. Was pretty sick
> then, but so were quite a few others, so at least I didn't feel bad
> about exposing others. Had a nice time with family and enjoyed myself
> despite feeling so miserable. Just had to go back to my hotel room and
> take lots of naps. Always fun, though, to spend time with family. My
> nephew is soooooo excited about moving down state and going to the
> University of Michigan, that he can hardly stand it! I, of course, will
> love having him so close by for several years!
>
> The constant heat and humidity have only prolonged the struggle with the
> breathing issues and made things a little bumpy at times, but thus far
> have managed to stay out of the hospital, although at times, barely!!!
> God bless my pcp and lung doctor who have had almost daily contact with
> me to keep me going and to keep me out of the hospital!
>
> Went in to have my infusions the first week of june, and they were
> unable to gain access to my port. Of course, they were also unable to
> gain access via regular IV as I am such a hard stick! So, this past
> wednesday, it was back to the
> U of M hospital to have the port assessed and to try to figure out why
> it was no longer working. I was so praying for an easy solution, but
> that was not to be. Turned out that the port had clotted off, so it was
> back to the OR to remove the old port and to place a new one. Got it
> done, but with lots of trouble. My BP kept dropping and they had to
> keep turning my oxygen up. Twice they actually stopped in the middle of
> the procedures and ask me if I was ok, was I feeling weak or like I was
> going to black out. Guess my bp and low oxygen levels were really
> freaking them out. At one point I burst into tears and told them to
> just hurry up and get things finished. I was having enough trouble with
> staying calm as they had the sterile drapes over my face which makes me
> claustrophobic, and then because of the issues with the bp and oxygen
> levels, they could only give me about half of the sedation that they
> gave me the last time. I just wanted the stuff off of my face! 7 hours
> after I arrived at the hospital, I finally was discharged home! Phew,
> was I happy to get home to my own bed and pretty much slept the rest of
> the day, except when I got up to take something for the pain and to get
> something to drink! I'm thinking I'll just pass on this months infusions
> and wait for next months to roll around. The doctor that put the new
> port in did tell me that if I continue to have problems with ports
> clotting off after such short periods of time, they would have to
> consider putting me on coumadin and that is something I really would
> like to avoid if at all possible!
>
> My rehab doctor wants me to try synvisc for my knee until the knee
> replacement surgery gets cleared by all my doctors. I have to first get
> tested to make sure I am not allergic to the stuff as I do have an
> allergy to feathers and since the stuff is made from some part of
> chickens or birds, they want to be sure before undertaking this.
>
> Am in the midst of making arrangements for another round of rituxan for
> the RA. Probably won't happen until about july or august by the time we
> get all the paper work done and things approved and then scheduled.
>
> Have had a few more ear infections, but at least not to the point where
> I have lost any more of my hearing, thank goodness.
>
> It's been a long few months and I have been a bit overwhelmed with
> doctors appointments and such. Told my counselor that if feels like
> the only social life I have any more is doctors appointments and I am
> tired of them. Want to just pull the covers over my head at times and
> say screw it all. The counselor said it was ok to do that and to cancel
> appointments for a few weeks if I needed to, just don't do it for more
> than a month.
>
> It all gets so old sometimes and I know you all know exactly what I am
> talking about!!!
>
> Besides the health issues, caring for parents who both have health
> issues
> ( mom = emphysema, dad = alzheimers), I have a niece who has really
> become out of control behavior wise. She is only 14 and it is just so
> heartbreaking to see. She recently spent 2-3 weeks in a home for
> wayward teens to give all of them time to cool down and try to deal with
> each other in the family in a better way. Very short lived as my niece
> really knows how to push everyones buttons and ended up getting herself
> kicked out of school for the last 3 weeks. Ugggh. It is so sad and so
> hard to understand.
>
> Sometimes you just cry yourself to sleep over the young ones and the
> choices they make!!!
>
> I just pray that she survives this phase she is in, as she really is
> making some horrible and unsafe choices in her life!
>
> Well, that's about it. Sorry if it all sounds so whiny, but that is
> where my life is these days.
>
> Blessings, good health, pain free days, and comfortable weather to all
> of you my awesome ASA family!!!
>
>
> Hugs,
>
> .
> .
> .
> .
>
> Donna
> .
> .
> .
> .
> 1.) ANGELS EXIST, but some times, since they don't all have wings, we
> call them FRIENDS......
>
>
> 2.) J.K.M.A.
>

Donna- I am mostly a lurker, but I do speak up every once in a while. VBG
I have been praying for you right along with all your friends and wishing
that your health woes would give you a break for a while- at least! You are
one of the nicest and most supportive folks on this ng and you certainly
deserve all the support we can 'muscle up' for you in return. And I wanted
to share a smile with you to maybe help brighten your day. Here's some
photos of my newest 100 lb. 'baby'- he sprawls across my lap every time I
sit down..... he has no idea how HUGE he really is!

http://pets.webshots.com/album/563732884WeFaiC

Leslie

"Donna G." <DKGBeeker@webtv.net> wrote in message
news:6577-485496AD-433@storefull-3117.bay.webtv.net...
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Hi Gang,
>
>
> Guess it's time for a bit of an update!
>
> Have been quite sick with respiratory issues basically since the week
> before my nephews graduation. Didn't know if I would make it up to his
> party or not, but did end up making the 5 hour drive. Was pretty sick
> then, but so were quite a few others, so at least I didn't feel bad
> about exposing others. Had a nice time with family and enjoyed myself
> despite feeling so miserable. Just had to go back to my hotel room and
> take lots of naps. Always fun, though, to spend time with family. My
> nephew is soooooo excited about moving down state and going to the
> University of Michigan, that he can hardly stand it! I, of course, will
> love having him so close by for several years!
>
> The constant heat and humidity have only prolonged the struggle with the
> breathing issues and made things a little bumpy at times, but thus far
> have managed to stay out of the hospital, although at times, barely!!!
> God bless my pcp and lung doctor who have had almost daily contact with
> me to keep me going and to keep me out of the hospital!
>
> Went in to have my infusions the first week of june, and they were
> unable to gain access to my port. Of course, they were also unable to
> gain access via regular IV as I am such a hard stick! So, this past
> wednesday, it was back to the
> U of M hospital to have the port assessed and to try to figure out why
> it was no longer working. I was so praying for an easy solution, but
> that was not to be. Turned out that the port had clotted off, so it was
> back to the OR to remove the old port and to place a new one. Got it
> done, but with lots of trouble. My BP kept dropping and they had to
> keep turning my oxygen up. Twice they actually stopped in the middle of
> the procedures and ask me if I was ok, was I feeling weak or like I was
> going to black out. Guess my bp and low oxygen levels were really
> freaking them out. At one point I burst into tears and told them to
> just hurry up and get things finished. I was having enough trouble with
> staying calm as they had the sterile drapes over my face which makes me
> claustrophobic, and then because of the issues with the bp and oxygen
> levels, they could only give me about half of the sedation that they
> gave me the last time. I just wanted the stuff off of my face! 7 hours
> after I arrived at the hospital, I finally was discharged home! Phew,
> was I happy to get home to my own bed and pretty much slept the rest of
> the day, except when I got up to take something for the pain and to get
> something to drink! I'm thinking I'll just pass on this months infusions
> and wait for next months to roll around. The doctor that put the new
> port in did tell me that if I continue to have problems with ports
> clotting off after such short periods of time, they would have to
> consider putting me on coumadin and that is something I really would
> like to avoid if at all possible!
>
> My rehab doctor wants me to try synvisc for my knee until the knee
> replacement surgery gets cleared by all my doctors. I have to first get
> tested to make sure I am not allergic to the stuff as I do have an
> allergy to feathers and since the stuff is made from some part of
> chickens or birds, they want to be sure before undertaking this.
>
> Am in the midst of making arrangements for another round of rituxan for
> the RA. Probably won't happen until about july or august by the time we
> get all the paper work done and things approved and then scheduled.
>
> Have had a few more ear infections, but at least not to the point where
> I have lost any more of my hearing, thank goodness.
>
> It's been a long few months and I have been a bit overwhelmed with
> doctors appointments and such. Told my counselor that if feels like
> the only social life I have any more is doctors appointments and I am
> tired of them. Want to just pull the covers over my head at times and
> say screw it all. The counselor said it was ok to do that and to cancel
> appointments for a few weeks if I needed to, just don't do it for more
> than a month.
>
> It all gets so old sometimes and I know you all know exactly what I am
> talking about!!!
>
> Besides the health issues, caring for parents who both have health
> issues
> ( mom = emphysema, dad = alzheimers), I have a niece who has really
> become out of control behavior wise. She is only 14 and it is just so
> heartbreaking to see. She recently spent 2-3 weeks in a home for
> wayward teens to give all of them time to cool down and try to deal with
> each other in the family in a better way. Very short lived as my niece
> really knows how to push everyones buttons and ended up getting herself
> kicked out of school for the last 3 weeks. Ugggh. It is so sad and so
> hard to understand.
>
> Sometimes you just cry yourself to sleep over the young ones and the
> choices they make!!!
>
> I just pray that she survives this phase she is in, as she really is
> making some horrible and unsafe choices in her life!
>
> Well, that's about it. Sorry if it all sounds so whiny, but that is
> where my life is these days.
>
> Blessings, good health, pain free days, and comfortable weather to all
> of you my awesome ASA family!!!
>
>
> Hugs,
>
> .
> .
> .
> .
>
> Donna
> .
> .
> .
> .
> 1.) ANGELS EXIST, but some times, since they don't all have wings, we
> call them FRIENDS......
>
>
> 2.) J.K.M.A.
>

(((((((((((((((((((((((((((Donna)))))))))))))))))) ))))))))))
with all of that going on, there just isn't much to do but send big hugs.
And our counselor's right - it's ok to take a vacation from the medicos
sometimes, as long as you follow-up on anything immediately serious.

--
Nann
remove the Gator cheer to email me
Change everything. Love & forgive.

On Mon, 16 Jun 2008 23:19:43 -0400, Leslie & The Furbabies in MO. wrote
(in message <6booqlF3bv6rnU1@mid.individual.net>):

> Donna- I am mostly a lurker, but I do speak up every once in a while. VBG
> I have been praying for you right along with all your friends and wishing
> that your health woes would give you a break for a while- at least! You are
> one of the nicest and most supportive folks on this ng and you certainly
> deserve all the support we can 'muscle up' for you in return. And I wanted
> to share a smile with you to maybe help brighten your day. Here's some
> photos of my newest 100 lb. 'baby'- he sprawls across my lap every time I
> sit down..... he has no idea how HUGE he really is!
>
> http://pets.webshots.com/album/563732884WeFaiC
>
> Leslie
>

Wow. Old English Sheepdog crossed with Great Pyrenees - what a combination!
He must take up a lot of space in the house, sweetheart though he be.

--
Nann
remove the Gator cheer to email me
Change everything. Love & forgive.

Ahhhh, Leslie, thanks for sharing the pictures, they were so cute and
definitely brought a smile to my face!!!

Thanks also for the prayers and encouragement, they are greatly
appreciated!!!

Are you now all recovered from your hip replacement or was it a knee
replacement? Oy, brain fog!

..
..
..
..

Donna
..
..
..
..
1.) ANGELS EXIST, but some times, since they don't all have wings, we
call them FRIENDS......


2.) J.K.M.A.

Kelly, wednesday (tomorrow) sounds good to me!

Actually, I finally kind of hit a brick wall the other day emotionally
and knew I needed to change a few things in my life.

I did see my lung doctor today, but then cancelled all other
appointments for about the next 8 - 10 days - I really really need a
break from the medical profession for a while even though all my doctors
are incredible.

My lung doctor was kind of on the fence this afternoon about admitting
me, but we decided that I could come home and he would call to check up
on me at the end of the week and make a final decision about admitting
me at that point! My lungs didn't sound great, but they also weren't at
their worst either. We did have to do 2-3 breathing treatments to get
things to calm down a bit. During that time, they had a young kid come
in having a terrible time breathing and he started turning blue out in
the waiting room, so my lung doctor went out there to see about him.
Poor kid, he wasn't even at the right doctors office, but just happened
to come to the office that my lung doctor was at and my lung doctor is
only at that building one day a week! Talk about divine intervention
there. Wow!!! My lung doctor got him stabilized and then sent him via
ambulance to the hospital. He then came back in and pointed to the
ambulance out in the parking lot and told me if I didn't start doing
some serious improving after the breathing treatments that that would
also be MY mode of transportation. Thankfully the breathing treatments
helped and he gave me several rx's to help with the cough and congestion
on top of my regular meds. More pred, more breathing treatments, etc.

He was worried about how exhausted I looked too.

In any case, I am hopeful that we can get things quieted down enough for
me to get some decent sleep/rest!

I also kind of had to give up worrying so much about my niece and trust
more that the good Lord will somehow work this situation out. My sister
did take her to see the psychiatrist and they have put my niece on meds
for depression, ADHD, and anxiety. The med for anxiety is also supposed
to help her sleep better through the night (she's often up several times
through the night). She will go back to see the psychiatrist in about
2 months or so. She is to also continue with her weekly counselling.
I hope this all will help her!!! I soooo want her to just be happy!!!
In any case, I will always keep her in my prayers and be there for her
in what ever ways I can, but can't keep losing sleep over it all, so
will learn to trust more!

The heat and humidity have eased some, so I am thankful for that, but my
lung doctor said this is a horrible horrible spring for many, and since
I always have a rough time with the humidity, he said it is going to be
an even rougher time for me. We'll see.

So you see, I did listen to my counselor and to all of you and am taking
a bit of time for me to recoup a bit and to just get away from it all
(while still being at home).

God bless you all for your continued friendships, support,
encouragement, and love!!!

You truly all mean so much to me and really are like family to me!

Thanks also for always listening so patiently to me when I get a bit
whiny!!!


Hugs, love, and blessings to you all!

Now, off for a little nap!

..
..
..
..

Donna
..
..
..
..
1.) ANGELS EXIST, but some times, since they don't all have wings, we
call them FRIENDS......


2.) J.K.M.A.

Donna, you have never been whiny. And if anybody ever did, you have plenty
you could be whiny about. We appreciate your updates because we all care
about you so much, and want to know what's going on and how you are doing.
Glad the lung doctor was able to make you well enough that he didn't put you
in the hospital. However, if it turns out that's where you need to be, GO.

Glad you're going to let God take over with the niece. Your worrying won't
help at all, will just hurt you. And God has the power to do something
about it that you don't have. See how he looked after the little boy who
came to the wrong doctor's office. We'll just keep praying.

Keep doing better with your lungs and forget about all the other doctors
until you're ready to take them on again. Pray you can get some good rest
and lots of sound sleep.

Gwen




"Donna G." <DKGBeeker@webtv.net> wrote in message
news:6599-4858297C-1023@storefull-3112.bay.webtv.net...


Kelly, wednesday (tomorrow) sounds good to me!

Actually, I finally kind of hit a brick wall the other day emotionally
and knew I needed to change a few things in my life.

I did see my lung doctor today, but then cancelled all other
appointments for about the next 8 - 10 days - I really really need a
break from the medical profession for a while even though all my doctors
are incredible.

My lung doctor was kind of on the fence this afternoon about admitting
me, but we decided that I could come home and he would call to check up
on me at the end of the week and make a final decision about admitting
me at that point! My lungs didn't sound great, but they also weren't at
their worst either. We did have to do 2-3 breathing treatments to get
things to calm down a bit. During that time, they had a young kid come
in having a terrible time breathing and he started turning blue out in
the waiting room, so my lung doctor went out there to see about him.
Poor kid, he wasn't even at the right doctors office, but just happened
to come to the office that my lung doctor was at and my lung doctor is
only at that building one day a week! Talk about divine intervention
there. Wow!!! My lung doctor got him stabilized and then sent him via
ambulance to the hospital. He then came back in and pointed to the
ambulance out in the parking lot and told me if I didn't start doing
some serious improving after the breathing treatments that that would
also be MY mode of transportation. Thankfully the breathing treatments
helped and he gave me several rx's to help with the cough and congestion
on top of my regular meds. More pred, more breathing treatments, etc.

He was worried about how exhausted I looked too.

In any case, I am hopeful that we can get things quieted down enough for
me to get some decent sleep/rest!

I also kind of had to give up worrying so much about my niece and trust
more that the good Lord will somehow work this situation out. My sister
did take her to see the psychiatrist and they have put my niece on meds
for depression, ADHD, and anxiety. The med for anxiety is also supposed
to help her sleep better through the night (she's often up several times
through the night). She will go back to see the psychiatrist in about
2 months or so. She is to also continue with her weekly counselling.
I hope this all will help her!!! I soooo want her to just be happy!!!
In any case, I will always keep her in my prayers and be there for her
in what ever ways I can, but can't keep losing sleep over it all, so
will learn to trust more!

The heat and humidity have eased some, so I am thankful for that, but my
lung doctor said this is a horrible horrible spring for many, and since
I always have a rough time with the humidity, he said it is going to be
an even rougher time for me. We'll see.

So you see, I did listen to my counselor and to all of you and am taking
a bit of time for me to recoup a bit and to just get away from it all
(while still being at home).

God bless you all for your continued friendships, support,
encouragement, and love!!!

You truly all mean so much to me and really are like family to me!

Thanks also for always listening so patiently to me when I get a bit
whiny!!!


Hugs, love, and blessings to you all!

Now, off for a little nap!

..
..
..
..

Donna
..
..
..
..
1.) ANGELS EXIST, but some times, since they don't all have wings, we
call them FRIENDS......


2.) J.K.M.A.

Donna, just a thought... you mentioned the heat and humidity are making
things more difficult for you and your breathing issues. Do you have an air
conditioner? They obviously cool the air but also remove the humidity.
Maybe it would help- that's if you don't already have one- obviously!

Leslie