Not Me Monday!

This past week...I did not.....

1. I did not get my hair colored darker and cut with lots and lots of fun chunky layers. Nope, I hate when my hair is shorter with fun chunky layers!
2. Not me: I did not use liquid fabric softener for the very first time and enjoy how lovely the laundry smelled!
3. I did not go scrapping on Saturday with D and get absolutely nothing done.
4. I did not nap all day yesterday, did not shower at 5:30ish, and did not put my jammies back on after being in them all day. Nope, never.
5. I did not root for the MN gophers against Ohio State all by my lonesome in this Buckey-crazed state. Nope, I'd never do that!
6. I did not babysit the most adorable kids in the city on Saturday and I most certainly hated playing ice man on the submarine with them. Not me!
7. My emotions certainly did not go on roller-coaster mode with Bear's back. And I most certainly was not estatic when his personality finally sparked back on.

What did you NOT do this weekend?

thankful thursday

I am thankful for this girl:


She comes to visit me in Columbus in less than TWO months. We'll be shopping at Easton, going to the Kelly-Reba Concert, eating fruit and fluff, and staying up way too late.

Then, she'll join DH and me on our drive to MN. We'll stop 1/2 way at her place, sleep, then continue on to home. We'll be home for a whole week!

I. Can't. Wait.

Tuesday Tip

The very first mall I went to in Columbus was Easton!

I believe the president of the Limited Brand Corp created this as a "destination" shopping experience. It has strip mall mixed with an indoor mall and movie theater. The stores are unique, cute, and the ambiance is neat! There's fountains the kids play in, cobblestone roads, a trolly, boat races, and various events taking place.

Some favorite stores: Moochie & Co for fun stuff for bear, Archiver's, Trader Joe's, New York and Co. for me, Apple store for DH, and the smoothie shop for chocolate-peanut butter-banana goodness. Oh, DH loves the pretzel bites at the movies too! (but at $9, the budge is a better deal!)

Build a bear workshop with JR and EZE was fun, anthropologie: I wish i wish, Color Your World is something I want to try, and of course: buckeye corner for all your OSU needs!

So, when you come to visit us in Columbus, don't forget to beg us to take you to Easton! You won't be let down!

Nope, Not Me Mondays!

I read a blog pretty regularily about a woman with MSC (many small children) and all the joys that some with that! (say a prayer for her family and her little MckMuffin!) She started a Not Me Monday "carnival" on her blog and encouraged her readers to do the same....so I'll try this too!



This past week, I did not eat a whole bag of tostitos with a whole jar of white queso dip at work. Nope, not me!

I did not think about crinkling the cracker bag loudly when DH had a migraine, that'd be mean!

Not me: I didn't wear my favorite black sweats to run errands because it was after work and I was sick of being dressed up!

And I certainly did not tell an annoying client that it was okay not to come in for his report day last week because I most certainly did not feel like listening to his "drama." No way!!

I did not forget my badge, license, and check card in the drawer at my office this weekend. And that did not cause a lot of frustration with me and DH this weekend when shopping, picking up prescriptions, and trying to buy some new clothes. Nope, not me!!

***
So, what did you NOT do this past week?

Vote for my friend's book to be published!!

Here's the email she sent out:

Hey everyone!
Last February I entered a children's story into an online contest called ABC Children's Book Contest. My story was selected as one of the 10 finalists and now it's up to a vote! The book with the most votes wins and the winner's book will get published!

All of the finalists were partnered with an illustrator and now the stories along with their pictures are all available to read online. Once you read the stories you can vote for your favorite. Everyone is allowed to vote once per day and the voting goes until October 5th.

Please take a few minutes to look at the website below and vote for your favorite story!
Mine is called I Am Twin 1, And I Am Twin 2.

http://www.abcbookcompetition.org/fourth_comp/index.htm

THANK YOU!
Kaye :-)

thankful thursday

Today, I want to write about my little pup, that I am so thankful for!


1. He has the best personality! He is happy, spoiled, and if he thinks he's A-Numero Uno dog!
2. He is mama's little cuddler, won't even lay down until I move over for him to get in "his spot." (see, spoiled!)
3. He loves walks, treats, cheese, and peanut butter. (and in that order too, if we let him!)
4. It absolutely breaks our hearts when his back acts up. He has a disc disease that strikes suddenly and causes his back to spasm. (he has it right now, again).
5. He is soooo smart! He knows sit pretty, spin around, go to your bed, gentle, wait, speak, kennel, and kisses.
6. He greets the 2nd person home at the door, tail wagging, and practically flying up into the arms for some nuzzle-loving.

I love love love my puppy!!!

Since.....

I posted some layouts, I thought I'd skip wordless wednesday today.....

1. My eye is better....only when wearing my glasses. So, I may need a cute new pair. right?

2. I am finally feeling a bit better from those steroids. Enough with the bloaty, flushed, heart racing, achey -ness. I was reading online, and so many MS patients have been on those steroids lots and lots and I can't imagine feeling the effects of them so frequently. Yup, I'm thankful for being MS-Healthy!

3. We had a great dinner on Monday and I will post the recipe for our Chicken-Ranch-Jack soon! I hope you love it as much as we do!

4. DH's parents come to visit in about 3 weeks: and we're so excited! What fun things should we do??!?! (OOh, that means DH has a week off coming up too!)

5. I really need to call my hair stylist J and get in with her next week: it has been too long and I'm in need of a mega cut and color! (Don't worry, I'll post pics when I get it done-I'm thinking something new eh?)

6. Work, Schmerk. bleh. I did NOT miss being there and really really really want to see if I can make a PT/no work life work! hehe. DH isn't too keen on that idea, and I know the more I think of it I wouldn't be either, but living it up last week was ooh, soo, nice!

sharing some scrapping!

*adapted from Love, Elsie's 52 challenges

i've been busy...

scrapbooking of course. and I so want to share some new layouts with you! so, stay tuned, some of my current favorite layouts will be uploaded soon for you to check out!

i hope you like them as much as I do! hehe.

I have about 20 min left and the IV leaves my arm! wahoo!!!

so what exactly is this Optic Neuritis I'm having....

In case you're unfamiliar, I'll give a little explanation and photo to see "what I was seeing" (mine never got quite this bad, but you get the idea!)



The main symptoms of Optic Neuritis are:

1. Loss of visual acuity (blurring of vision) which occurs in around 58% of ON cases. This can range from mild blurring of vision in 34% of cases, through moderate loss of acuity (12%), to severe or total loss of light perception (complete blindness) in 54% of cases. (I have this)

2. Eye pain occurs in 53% to 88% of ON presentations. In one study examining the pain associated with ON, 12% of cases reported no associated pain, 21% patients reported that the pain was only noticeable with eye movement, in 16% the pain preceded a loss of visual acuity, in 22% it occurred as a general eye ache, in 16% it was reported as a headache centering on the affected eye and in 13% it was reported as a generalised dull headache [Nikoskelainen, E. 1975]. (I had pain during eye movement, and a dull-achey headache)

3. Dyschromatopsia (reduced colour vision) occurs in 100% of optic neuritis cases. Typically this is reported as a reduction in colour vividness, particularly reds. An Ishihara colour chart and/or Farnsworth-Munsell hue tests are often used to evaluate the degree of dyschromatopsia. If the inflammation is not visible on the macular (back of the retina), then dyschromatopsia is the most sensitive clinical diagnostic measure of optic neuritis. (I experienced some cloudy/color loss)

4. Movement and sound phosphenes (visual flashing sensations brought about by side-to-side eye movement or sound) often occur with optic neuritis. They are most obvious in a dimly lit room. Obscuration of the visual field in bright light is another common symptom of optic neuritis and many people with ON, particularly those with a chronic condition, report that they see better in dimly lit rooms. It is likely that both of these symptoms are caused by fluctuating interference of the nerve transmissions along the visual pathways. (It was like seeing stars, but all the time!)

5. Uhthoff's symptom, the worsening of symptoms with heat or exhaustion, is present in about 58% of cases of Optic Neuritis. (heat and my MS are not BFFs...so a few days without a working AC did not help this situation!)

TESTING: Visually Evoked Potential (VEP, VER) tests, which detect the speed of nerve transmissions down the optic nerve, are used as a diagnostic test for optic neuritis. (This was done on 9/5 and the delayed vision response was noted. This prompted a visit to the ER on Sunday to start steroids for the optic neuritis. I go back today, 9/12, for a recheck.)

The rate of onset of Optic Neuritis varies from a few hours to few days and occasionally greater. Typically sight is at its worst around one week after onset of symptoms. (mine was about a week, til it got so bad I was freaking out!)

Recovery from ON is usually very good, often complete and even in the worst cases patients seldom fail to recover some sight. In around 65-80% of patients, the sight recovers to 20/30 or better, although many report some enduring visual deficits. (I'm already noticing some increased vision and no more pain!)

Reoccurrence of Optic Neuritis in one or other eye is seen in about 33% of cases. Reoccurrence is more likely in people with Uhthoff's symptom (48%). (oh, great!)

The inflammation associated with Optic Neuritis can often be observed with an opthalmoscope on the back of the eye (macular) provided that the inflammation is not further back along the optic nerve (retrobulbar optic neuritis). (not sure if this was seen, but my inflammation could be in the way back of the nerve and possibly not noticed on this test.)

Cortico-Steroids (oral prednisone and IV methylprednisolone) have been shown to significantly increase the rate of the recovery from optic neuritis. Continued use of steroids for around 3 years has been shown to delay the reoccurrence of ON and conversion to multiple sclerosis [Beck, R. W., 1995]. However, such studies have shown that after 4 years of use, they have no long term effect on either the reoccurrence of ON nor on conversion to MS. Indeed one study has shown oral prednisone treatments to actually increase the long-term probability of reoccurrence. It should also be remembered that cortico-steroids, particularly their continued use, have significant side effects. (I'm on solumedral. raging appetite, hot hot hot, flushed face and lips, can't sleep, figity....let me tell you it's so fun...but it's worth it in the end to be able to see clearly!!!)

COP-1 (Copaxone) and beta interferons have both been shown to reduce the probability and severity of reoccurrences of optic neuritis in addition to the other symptoms of multiple sclerosis. (I take a daily injection of Copaxone...and after this flair up, I'm doing it every day, no matter what! Yes, I inject myself daily with 20mg of an MS drug that without insurance costs $1800/month.)

Thankful Thursday

Today I'm thankful to be an American. To be living in America and all that is afforded to our citizens.

Today I'm thankful for the men and women serving here and abroud to protect democracy for all.

Today I'm thankful I'm tolerating the steroids well, that my port isn't clotting, that I'm halfway done with the IVs.

Today I'm thankful I have health insurance, double coverage at that. It makes the stress of living with an auto-immune disorder easier knowing that I can get the care and coverage I need.

Today I'm thankful to be an MS patient with a bright life outlook, ability to work (mostly) full time, and to be able to rest when needed. So many MS patients put a bad "face" on this disease and their struggles only make my lack of acceptance of my diagnosis grow. (this is a daily growth area for me).

Today I'm thankful I have married into a medically knowledgable family, that gives me sound advice, a patient ear when I'm complaining, and genuine care.

Today I'm thankful DH comes home from being on call after a long overnight at the hospital.

Today I'm thankful I have lots of friends, family, and well-wishers thinking good prayers for me! I heart you all!

here I am with the IV

the part in my arm through the white part in my fingers stays in me. yup. And I'm sporting an 80s double band tube sock. it is cool.

the IV is in!

and I've had my first round of steroids! Oh, the IV is still in. I'll post pics later as it is kinda cool having an IV in your arm while sitting at your dining room table.

My eye is sore and more blurry then yesterday, but shhh, I am adament I will be working the rest of the week! Hopefully I'll sleep good tonight, DH is on call and won't be home (most likely) til tomorrow evening.

I have my first night of grow group and that is something to look forward too tonight, because that usually includes graeter's afterwards!

i am annoyed.

1. I thought I would have 3 days of steriods, meaning, I'd be done today. But I will have 5 days and I haven't started day 2 yet.
2. I thought I' be going to the clinic for these injections. but I am doing them at home.
3. I thought I'd be feeling more relief from the steriouds already. I am a little, but not too much.
4. I have been home for 2 days, bored.
5. Datime TV isn't all it's cracked up to be.
6. My puppy is confused.
7. The AC is fixed. finally. We'll be slumber partying in the basement again, just for fun. cool.
8. We now have an IV pole in our house. super cool.
9. The home nurse stuck me 3 times.
10. Those three sticks did not result in the administering of steroids.
11. I don't have a time for my next time of trying to get the meds in.
12. The wanted DH to do the IV, umm, he's my husband, not my doctor.
13. I needed out of the house, so I went to a happy place: Target.
14. My vision got worse driving, my headache returned, and I got annoyed.
15. I see, no pun, that resting my eyes is best.
16. Thus, I shouldn't be on this blog.

I hope tomorrow is a productive day.

I did make cookies today. They're yummy.

another update

Well, I'll be getting 5 days total of in-home IVs with a nurse. Just waiting still to get that set up.

I'm noticing some color loss in addition to the blurry/foggy vision already. Also, my eye is sore, like straining to much. that's why napping has been the only relief I get, but then I just begin to feel lazy....hmmm.

I'm not going back to work til Wed PM, that's if I tolerate the IV well....so we'll see.

Oh, our AC is out and I hate it. Because of my MS I don't tolerate the heat well at all! Our basement is very insulated and kept us cool last night, I finally got cold to use a blanket! The AC fixer comes tomorrow, so I am very thankful for that!

I'm headed to the basement for some heat-eye-relief (maybe a nap or scrapping hehe).

Jillibean: here's to you!

Here's a layout I created using a local girl's new scrapbook line! She is a super nice, down to earth friendly, and ooh-soo-talented designer!

keep the paper lines coming, jill!!!



That's me on the left and D on the right selling our scrapbooking stuff at the bi-annual columbus scrappers garage sale!

update...

I'm home and had my 1st round of steroids. I'll be going to the clinic for the final 2. Things went well and I'm just hopeful the steroids do the trick fast!
e

honesty.

As most of you know, I have MS. I do pretty well on a daily basis with life, but the last week my vision has become increasingly impaired in my left eye. It is cloudy in m straight vision, but my peripheral (sp?) is alright. I had enough on Friday, went to the opthamologist who noticed decreased vision in my visual field test (lots of blinking lights, you click when you see them.....dumb). I was told to contact my neurologist and see what they wanted to do. I called the on call doc that night, it was my neurologist from the MS Center at OSU who said if it gets worse this weekend to go to the ER and if not, wait to call on Monday to get in for my round of IV Steroids. I called last night and was told by another doc the same thing, except he used the word "admitted." Admitted either this weekend or Monday. That freaks me out. I've never been to the hospital and my last round of IV Steroids was just 3 days in a row of CLINIC visits.

needless to say, it's gotten worse and oooooh so much more annoying. my eye is sore! it is tired, it only feels good when I'm sleeping and I can't be sleeping all day at work!.

DH and I are on the way to OSU (great, that's where he and a lot of our friends are residents..luckily I'm not a surgery person!) I am so anxious, I don't know if I want to be admitted, but DH said that this round of steroids might be an ever 4-6 hour thing so I would need to be in the hospital. argh.

I kind of hope that I am admitted though, just to be able to relax, not use my eyes on the computer all day, and to maybe finally accept that I have MS and I need to take care of myself in order to try not to have these things flair up (i.e. do my shots every day).

Please pray for me....I have never been to the hospital for a stay! (let alone more than 4 times in my life visiting people......eeek)

thanks.....I'll update when I can.

another comical client

Client H comes to the office for his bi-weekly reporting. I notice that his last drug screen was positive for cocaine, so I ask him about it:

me: Your last screen was positive for cocaine.
H: how could it be positive for that?

me: Did you use?
H: no, way, jose. I haven't touched cocaine!
me: that's how it is positive for cocaine.

H: I mean, I uh, I'm on a lot of prescriptions.
me: Did you bring them in for me to enter so we can put them on the test form?
H: oh, I guess I didn't think of it.
me: you're thinking of it now. if you'd like, you can pay $20 and we can request a test validation. if it comes back negative, you'd get your money back.

H: so, you're testing me again today?
me: i didn't say that. Would you like the lab to retest the sample from your last Office Visit?
H; no, that's okay.

me: well, we are going to do another drug test today, that way we have a good negative for court in a couple weeks. today you'd be negative, right?
H: I, uh, I once heard that poppy seeds causes positives on drug tests. I mean, my mother in law was in town, and she, uh, she makes the world's best poppyseed bagels and I have been eating a lot of them! They are so good.

me: I'm not sure how the lab tests for drugs vs. food. I'll print your test form today.
H: Well, I have MRSA (info here) (I'm thinking: gross!) so, I don't really want to go back and subject the facilities to my staff infection.
me: (rather quickly, trying not to breathe) okay, see you in a couple weeks but be prepared with your prescriptions and to be tested.

I escort him out of the office as quick as can be! I then s.t.e.r.i.l.i.z.e. my office space.

i have to laugh at all his excuses, man he hit them all about his positive test.

so....i know...

I know it's Wednesday and that it's supposed to be wordless, but I haven't blogged in a week (and there's a very good reason for that) so one with words is needed (hehe).

I will update fully when I have access to my camera to document the greatest weekend we've had, in a long time. It'll be worth the wait! So...

stay tuned!

I'll leave you with this one thought: migraines suck, but DH takes good care of me with ice packs for my shoulders and quiet! It's all better today (except for that annoying lingering "i just had a migraine" feeling).....