Saturday, November 9, 2013

My first ADVOCARE Meeting/ Mixer.

My first ADVOCARE Meeting/ Mixer.  Heather is a distributor and although she has been doing it since March I have not felt like I could approach or add anything new to my already crazy life.  (To see about my year read my blog, I will not go into it on this page.) I was excited and impressed with all the success stories not just about weight loss but how to get healthy, how to get rid of joint pain and to sleep better.  I sat there and listened I was thinking I want all of it...How do I know what to take and when and etc.  I didn't realize Heather was going to be my coach and what I was thinking was weight loss but what she was thinking was getting me out of pain and healthier, go with me to my Rheumotologist and ask about the 24 day cleanse and then starting on weight loss which will also help me be more successful through the holidays.  I'm all for it and can't wait.  If you want to know more about it let me know.  I can get all the answers for you!  My prayer is my husband will jump on board too.  There's products for baby boomers, products for men, products for women, products for teens and for joint pain and some to help you sleep and just too many to remember....I'm going to another mixer Monday just to hear more success stories. Who want to go with me?!?!!

Friday, November 1, 2013

Home, Hubby Healing and Happy Happy, Happy.

Almost 5 months since knee replacement.  In a nutshell my knee is still stiff especially when I first stand up or leave it in one position for a long time. I can barely get a sock on that foot because of the way I have to bend it. Yes I did go to PT and graduated.  If I can get back to a regular routine I am sure the bike riding will make it feel better.  Once it's warmed up it works better. I am still on Tramodol for pain which also covers my Lupus and Fibro pain as well.  Most of the time it's enough. I still doubt I will get my other knee done EVER as this was for sure the most painful surgery I have ever had....

We returned to our house on October 22nd. YEAH!!!!   I was deliriously happy.  We practically have a new house.  Love it.  Still working on some paperwork for insurance and I expect today to get the touch ups and etc to be done for final inspection. YEAH!!!

October 12th Rick was cutting branches off the trees so our HOA will be happy....We love trees.  Our subdivision is called WOODlake.  But grass won't grow in shade so they were threatening us to grow grass or pay the $25 a day...Really?!?! So hubby was cutting branches so we could get some sun in and at aprox 20 feet high he fell and broke his Pelvis.  I'm sending HOA the bill.  He would never of been up there had they not threatened us..  This is November 1st and I don't see that he is doing much better, a little but still has to use cane, pain pills and sleep in recliner part of the night.  Hurts when he turns over and yesterday he said he could feel the bone moving and his left leg was feeling uncomfortable.  He saw an Orthopedic Dr Monday and basically it's a slow healing do what you feel like doing kind of break....

My Lupus is pretty much under control.  I still have the hip and shoulder joint pain and I don't have a lot of energy but I guess that is just how it will be....

59th birthday this week....I can't be that old?!??!?!?!?

Monday, September 16, 2013

Graduated Physical Therapy but still a long way to go...


Graduated Drayer Physical Therapy on Friday the 14th of September. Yeah!
I still have to exercise.  I have 6 exercises and I am still doing water aerobics several times a week.  I was given strict instruction to do the exercise because my knee could still freeze up....I was told it would feel much better at 6 months and all well by a year.......good Grief....This really was the WORST surgery I have ever had and I have had a few...

We are STILL at the hotel.  The insulation under the house has been replaced.  I believe the air conditioner has been fixed.  The walls and ceilings have been fixed.  We picked out all the paint colors and there is some paint on the walls at the house.  We met with the Floor man last week, I am very excited about what we picked out. We meet with the Cabinet man tomorrow and that should be all we have to pick out.  Hopefully they will start in full gear soon.  We have been at hotel since August 8 and it is now September 16th and there is still so much to do...we are thinking that maybe we should move into the camper in our back yard which will save gas money for sure...It would be a lot easier with Marley to just be in the back hard instead of alone in the yard or stuck in the hotel. She needs more exercise....decisions...decisions....

Lupus is pretty much under control.  I still have the joint pain and I don't have a lot of energy but I guess that is just how it will be....

More to come...

Monday, August 12, 2013

30th Anniversary, Our Welcome Home and 2 Months Post Op


30th Anniversary, Our Welcome and 2 Months Post Op

We had a very nice 30th Anniversary at the lake house.  We left on Saturday morning and got there unpacked and just relaxed the first evening.  The 2nd and 3rd day took the boat out but it was just too hard for me to get out so we spent the 4th day floating around in the lake at the beach area.  The evenings we either went out to eat or grilled out.  We were tired and ready to go home on Wednesday.  After cleaning the lake house and packing the car we were ready for home and a nap!

When we walked in the house our hearts skipped a beat as all we could see and hear was water running out of all our ceilings ....I was screaming turn it off!!! And he was running around trying to find the cut off which was under the house all the way to the front....Our home is completed flooded! Kitchen flooded. Up to ankles in water. Ceiling soaked. Cabinets destroyed, all wallpaper will have to be removed. Foyer flooded. Living room flooded. Carpet soaked all way to fireplace. Hardwood and carpet all has to be removed.  also the drywalls will have to be replaced all over.... Catwalks soaked. Upstairs bathroom floors, sink cabinet  and playroom and guest room floors wet as well as the walk in closet with all Christmas decor and trees.. 1/2 bathroom downstairs soaked..all wallpaper and floors removed. Closet downstairs. About 5 inches of water under house. Horrible. It's gonna be up to a month to be fixed. We Are now living at Hawthorne Suites on Centennial Olympic parkway about 13-15 miles from home. it's very nice but of course there is no place like home.

We go back and pick up things we need as we realize we need more and more items to live  in a hotel for a month...


What a week...no rest for the weary...last thing I want to do is go to Physical Therapy but....I know I must...last Friday I was at 113 degrees on the range of motion on my knee.  My goal is 125-130.
Both knees are really hurting this week as there has not been time to rest.....

More updates to come.....

Friday, August 2, 2013

7 Weeks Post Op


My Physian Assistant hinted I may have to go in for manipulation under anesthesia if my range of motion isn't between 120-130 by 1st of September (Its 103 right now.)

I work with 2 Physical Therapists and a Personal Trainer and they said no way will I have to go back in for manipulation under anesthesia!! 
I'm getting a stationary bike today. Do water therapy twice a week and PT 3 times a week... I am woman hear me roar!!!

So this week some really cool friends gave me a stationary bike it also works your arms which makes a fan blow on you😆

I am doing water therapy at our pool at least 2 time a week and I am really working it hard at PT.  The downside to this is I can barely walk in the evening.  I haven't even had an appetite at dinner so haven't ate in a few nights and I'm losing sleep because I can't get comfortable.

Soooo we will see how this goes.  I'm getting ready to go to PT where they will hopefully measure me today and Ill update if I have progressed this week.

ROM (Range of Motion) is 108!! Yeah!!! Went up 5%.
Working to get to 125!!
Was 70 after surgery!!

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Five Weeks Post Op


God has showed me so many things through this journey I have been on.  I used to take this for granted...simple things..like rushing through a quick kitchen clean up on my way to work.  This morning I tidied up my kitchen...it was all I could do to make it to the recliner...
Yesterday I called in to PT....my 2nd outpatient....I just didn't think I could do it...they said come in..you have to come in...as I went through the process God showed me how BLESSED I am...a 6 year old unable to jump on one foot from square to square..an elderly lady in a wheelchair lifting 15 pounds of weight...a Walton County Sheriff picking up small objects with fingers..it was all he could do...a football player trying to learn to run again.  Thank you God for opening my eyes and showing me I only have to just look....open my eyes and look to see how truly  blessed I am...


Wednesday, June 26, 2013

2 Weeks Post Op


Hospital Day 1 Rick and I met Heather at Clearview Medical Center.  at 6:30 am.  I was called back pretty quick.  Dr came in and informed me that he had prayed for me and was very encouraging. I went to Operating room at 7:30 and when they put the oxygen mask on that's all I remember..

Woke up from anesthesia with oxygen and CPS machine on.  Moving my leg up and down.  I had a button I could push as often as needed to get .25 of Dalotted.


Dr said there was allot of Synovitis which is inflammation caused from Lupus. They had to do a lot of cutting that out, as well as the arthritis and trimming bone and fitting knee.

I had some Ginger ale and was taken up to my room about noon....I think...

I was able to remove the oxygen and settled in.  I never thought the pain would be this intense...horrible.. In the first hour I hit that button 160 times but only 11 of them actually gave me meds.. Ha... The nurse said she had never seen that high of number in all her years....ha....


I had a major panic attack a little later in the day..I was hot but cold...I was breathing fine but felt like I couldn't  breathe. My head was roaring and I couldn't hear good. The pain was horrible.... It was a night mare...Rick helped me through it...

I found when the grand-babies showed up I felt so much better.  We shared dinner and that was nice.  They stayed an hour or more and I was getting sleepy so they left.  Rick got me all settled in I went to sleep and he went home.

When they did my vitals during the 9:00 pm hour my oxygen level was 82 it's suppose to be over 95. My blood pressure was 57/48.  They put me back on the oxygen and I have to suck that ball thingy 10 times every hour.

It's 9:30 pm now. First evening.  My leg is going up and down on the machine.  I'm watching The Voice.  And I'm very tired.  Praying for a good nights sleep.


I haven't felt like blogging until today. 1week later.  1 week of endless pain, helplessness and unbelievable that this has been so painful.

2 weeks out....better but been basically doped up with Percocet and Valium round the clock since surgery..

Last Friday started in home  PT and yesterday I got my 20 Staples out.  I am doing in home PT 3 times a week for the next 3 weeks then out of home PT not sure....according to Dr. I can get in the pool on 4 the of July weekend...we will see...Right now still using my walker to get around.  The  trip to the Dr sucked out all my energy.  I did get back on all my Lupus meds and I slept better last night than I have since surgery.

That's all I've got now.  With intentions of writing everyday this is all I have for 2 weeks...who knew????


Isaiah 40:31
“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint.”




Sunday, June 9, 2013

Countdown to Knee Replacement


Countdown to complete right knee replacement. On June 10th Clearview Regional Hospital at 7:30 am with Dr. Michael Smith, Orthopedic Dr.


Memorial Friday knee horrible and Saturday morning. Iced it

 Sat night swollen glands under left arm. Hurt all day Sunday 26th but did go to church .

 Wednesday 29th headache all day.  Good knee day.

7 Days till surgery Monday Pre op at Clearview  took 2 1/2 hours.

Had a pretty good week prior to surgery.  Tried to do a chore each day to have my house clean when I get home.

Wednesday swollen glands and hurt under right arm.

Thursday night itching all night, ugh!!! Vaseline spray lotion in the can really helps.

This is Sunday the day before my surgery.  Had to rush out of Sunday School class due to upset stomach.  Had to leave and come home....Hope to feel better because we are suppose to be having lunch with friends....

To avoid infection I have to sleep on clean sheets right out of the dryer tonight. They gave me special cleansing stuff for shower tonight then another shower again in morning.  Then put on fresh clothes out of dryer.  All in efforts to NOT get an infection.

Nerves are on edge... Fear of the unknown mostly but I know God is in control.
He knows.  He holds my hand.  He is in control.

My Orthopedic Dr is suppose to come in and pray with me before my surgery.  Is that awesome or what?!?!?

Will update when I start feeling better after surgery. Until then I appreciate all of your prayers. Thanks friends.

Friday, May 10, 2013

World Lupus Awareness Day/ Avise test results

Today is Lupus Awareness Day.  I wore my Lupus Fighter T-Shirt, got my toenails painted purple and got the results of my Avise test results.  I positively for sure have Lupus. It took 2 weeks to get the results.  I am not a patient person as I have probably mentioned more than once in my blog. I am sure my Rheumy was so happy to get the results...even though I thought we knew I had it she felt like she wanted  to test me because I just did not seem to feel much better no matter what she did or what meds I was taking.  We decided to continue all meds but one.  Put me back on Cymbalta and rest up for my knee surgery.  More info on that when I see my Ortho on the 21st.


Sunday, May 5, 2013

Knee Replacement

Well my Orthopedic Doc says I have to have a knee replacement. He gave me info to read and I have to get all the Pre-op stuff done then see him again on the 21st for the surgery date....I imagine it will be the 1st of June. He won't know for sure if its partial or full replacement untill he gets in there but he said be prepaired for full replacement......

Friday, April 26, 2013

Avise Blood Test




Has anyone heard of this NEW blood test to find out for SURE if you have Lupus? It was just approved. I had the test today....anxiously awaiting because I really didn't know there was an "IF" Diagnoses on 10/11. She is doing it because of all the medication I am on and I'm not getting better...I sure hope I haven't been on all this for nothing.  But I would love to not have Lupus....that's mind boggling.....
Here is the link for the test. Results in 3-5 workdays.

 http://avisetest.com/
The girl in the lab said she has done 7 test since it came out.

I Now Talk in my Sleep!!!!


What a week.  Seems every night was sleepless.  I now talk in my sleep !! Never have done this in 58 years!!  Now I start talking out loud in my sleep!!! Neither of us are getting a good nights sleep because i am waking us both up!!!I'm think its my newest med...so I will talk to Rheumy today.

I have been going to PT 3 times a week and working 1 hour minimum.  When I went Wednesday it was the worst day for pain and when you hurt they hurt you more...I dread today but I leave there and go straight to Rhuemy so hopefully I can talk to her and see what she thinks....

This week was my mom and dads birthdays.  Dads been dead 10 years and Mom almost 2 years.  I miss them so much it's just been a weepy week...


I'm am trying to work on my future because of my Lupus....  Things like work, insurance, Short Term Disability, Family Medical Leave Act, and a few other thighs just bring me to tears.  It's overwhelming...  My poor hubby, he is working longer and harder to compensate but he is never to tired to listen, give and encouraging word or just let me cry.  I don't know what the future holds but God does.  I give it to HIM and take it back everyday!! How crazy am I?  I know what Jesus says:

Matthew
25 "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Isn't there more to life than food and more to the body than clothing?
26 Look at the birds in the sky: They do not sow, or reap, or gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren't you more valuable than they are?
27 And which of you by worrying can add even one hour to his life?
28 Why do you worry about clothing? Think about how the flowers of the field grow; they do not work or spin.
Thank you Jesus!!

Monday, April 15, 2013

A Quick Get Away and Update.



I can't believe it's been over a month since I blogged !! It's not like I have been doing anything!  Just sitting in the recliner!  Or maybe that IS WHY because I have just been sitting in a recliner!! Ha!!

We did have a quick getaway! We took off in our camper with Marley to our camping spot in North Carolina Mountains. Went Tuesday, April 2nd through Sunday the 7th. Jason Rose, Junior, Jarrett, Josh, Jonah and Heather, Matt, Hope, Isabella, and Ben all went.  The kids ran and played and hiked and climbed rocks and rode the T-Rex and we had and egg hunt and snowball fights.  Lots of family fun times.





 Of course Teena and Gary were already there.We had cold weather, warm weather, rain and it even snowed and had icy roads.  Many campfires and meals together.  We did a little shopping in the little town that were easy in and out for me.  One of my favorites is a little coffee shop that has the best Chai Tea. It was a great time.


Lupus update: Both Knee pain everyday but I took it easy and it went fine.
Used cane when needed but didn't do a lot of walking and stayed pretty closed to camp unless we drove the T-Rex.  Most of this last month I have been under Dr Smiths care since my knee surgery.  I am still in allot of pain. I am shocked at how long the recovery is and how bad the pain has been.  I saw Dr Smith and he insisted I start PT so I Started PT April 10th. So far it's painful but I intend to have a positive attitude.  I told my daughter I was looking at it like I have a personal trainer.


So I continue the PT for 4-6 weeks and see my Ortho Dr May 23rd. FMLA ends on May 28th at work.

The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. -- Isaiah 58:11

Friday, March 15, 2013

One week down...


March 8, 2013 The day of right knee scope surgery.  Got up at 4:45am, left the house at 5:30am. Surgery at 6:15 am.  We arrived on time but couldn't find a door or light in any of the buildings it was dark and I felt lost but we weren't lost...

As soon as we arrived I was ushered back to prepare for the surgery.  My mind is a little fuzzy here as I was given some happy meds and was ask lots of questions.  I met 2  anesthesiologist  and they explained I would have a breathing tube inserted in my throat so expect a sore throat....An IV was inserted (she got it on the first try!) My leg was washed and washed again. Then betadyne was applied from thigh to ankle and I was covered with warm blankets with a hose blowing warm air under covers.  So nice.  Dr smith came in and put his initials on my right knee with a Sharpie to be sure to operate on the right knee ( either would of been fine at this point).   My hubby left as I was rolled back to the operating room.  I remember Dr Smith coming in saying Hi again and everyone  was in scrubs and masks.  They put an oxygen mask on me and told me just to breath normal.

Next thing I know it was over and they were offering me graham crackers and ginger ale.  Hubby came back, he had just talked to Dr. Smith and he said he had filed down the tears in the meniscus and the ALC he did not repair he just cleaned them up and cleaned out some parts that were floating around in there.  He said if this didn't stop the pain I may have to have a partial knee replacement.

Its Arthritis which is the breakdown In the cartridge caused from Autoimmune Disease which of course is LUPUS.....

Shortly after that I was wheel out to the car and we were back home by 10:00 am. They gave me Percocet for pain which I used round the clock until Monday morning, then I started using as needed.  I have found the more I do the more I hurt.

It has been one week ago today.  This week has been bed to recliner and that's it.  Started with 2 crutches, than started using one crutch on Monday.  Tuesday cane for stability and to help with balance.  I cannot bend my leg to get socks on which is very frustrating...if I accidentally bend it too far the pain is immense.  I go to Dr. Smith on Tuesday to get the stitches out.  My daughter is taking me because I can not drive yet....hoping for more info as to what I should be doing. I am anxiously awaiting spring mornings where I can walk.  Not sure if I will be able to walk Marley because I think she would be walking me.  But that time will come.
I am thankful and hopeful.

P.S. I had to come back and add this.  I just walked to the mailbox and back!  It's a beautiful day out there!
Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude. Col 2:67

Thursday, March 7, 2013

10 Years Ago....



Can it really be 10 years Daddy
That your Race On Earth was done?
That you have been living In Heaven
With God And His Gracious Son.
Although My Heart Mourns For You
And My Eyes Are Filled With Tears
I Am Thankful That I Had You
To Love And Guide Me Through The Years.
You Were Always An Inspiration
Your Strength, It Knew No Bounds.
I Know That God Has Blessed You
With Many Heavenly Crowns.
So Remember My Precious Daddy
You Will Always Be In My Heart.
I Will Remember Your Gentle Teachings
From Which I’ll Never Part.

In Loving Memory Of My Precious Daddy
Oakley C. Adkins
Who Walked Through Heaven’s Gate -
March 8, 2003
After a battle with Multiple Myloma and Parkinson's

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Trusting All Will Go Well


Feb 26th I went to Dr Smith due to continued pain in both knees ( and both hips to be honest with you) but Dr Smith is dealing with my knees.  Since the cortisone shot only lasted a week he has decided to do a right knee scope surgery on March 8th.
Dr Smith will be looking to see if it is the Lupus attacking these joints, Arthritis or Degenerative Disease then he will know the  path to take to get me out of some of this pain.

He will not be able to do anything for my left knee until after the right knee is fixed.

So today I spent most of the day getting Pre-op done.  I already had the MRI and X-rays of the knees so I got the blood work done, an EKG and a chest X-ray as well as a mini physical by my primary doctor.

All seemed to go well.  I am trusting that I continue to be in Gods Will and so far I have a peace about this whole thing.  Thank you for your continued prayers.


Create in me a clean heart, O God,
And renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me away from Your presence
And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of Your salvation
And sustain me with a willing spirit.
Psalm 51:10-12

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Never say never


I have had ongoing knee pain since October . I kept trying to deal with it through all the Lupus pain meds and  Prednesone would take the edge off.  Until now...

On Jan 25 my hubby went to Dr Jonnala with me and she filled out FMLA paperwork that I am unable to participate in work .  That I have a permanent impairment (Lupus attacking my joints) that is not curable but is treatable but I am unable to work while taking the drugs.

So on Jan 28th I went in to work talked to my boss, Human resources, payroll, a Director friend and my staff.  I told them the situation that I just could not work right now. I faxed in my FMLA paperwork to my regional and human resources.   The rest of that week was horrible pain.  Elevating knee, icing and resting.  On Jan 31st I stood up when hubby walked in door and my knee buckled...

On Feb 1st I was taken by ambulance to ER.  They referred me to Orthopedic Dr. I've now had X-rays and MRI.

Dr. Smith at Athens Orthopedic  said today, Feb 12th  from viewing my MRI that My knee is tore in a couple places but not all the way through, it is sprained on one side and swollen. I have arthritis in both knees and I got a cortisone shot in the right one. I will continue to wear the brace. If it keeps hurting I will have to have surgery and he would have to go in and clean it up but he wanted to try this shot first. I said I would NEVER get a shot in my knee. I was so scared almost sick at my stomach I was so scared.  I had heard so many people say how much it hurts....teeth clenched I did it. There was nothing to it!!!! I said "that's it?!?!? I want to go ahead and do the other knee too!!" He laughed said next time but can't do both together. Ha!!
So now I rest and wait for the pain to go away......



And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.  (Philippians 1:6)

Saturday, February 9, 2013

Lupus Hurts


Dr Michael Smith. Athens Orthopedic in Monroe Wednesday Feb. 6th sent me for MRI.

MRI at Open MRI and Imaging in Athens on Friday Feb. 8th.  MRI trip took a lot out of me.  I was on crutches. I cannot lift my weight with my hands so I had to put weight on my right leg..when we got home I elevated it and iced it.....last night was a very painful night and it interrupted my sleep...

Feb. 9th got up in a lot of pain to the point I will have to use wheelchair today.

Many thanks to our Sunday school class for the prayers, cards, delicious meals, emails and phone calls.


MRI results the 12th. I can not wait....I am thinking the only way to fix this must be surgery but I know God is in control regardless....Thank you for your continued prayers.



We wait in hope for the Lord;he is our help and our shield.
In him our hearts rejoice,for we trust in his holy name. Psalm 33

Monday, February 4, 2013

Thank you



My sweet daughter Heather came over this morning and cleaned my whole house including changing bed sheets,washed my fav blankie, cleaned bathrooms and floors. She made dinner for us that's ready to go and yeast bread is rising. Thanks so much Heather Watkins it means so much to me! I love you!

We made an appointment with Orthopedic  Dr for Wednesday morning at 10:00.

Nightmare weekend


Jan 30th knees are worse than ever.   Right knee worse. I did walk upstairs today and I regretted it half way up... Coming down was more horrible than going up. Heating pad most of afternoon.  Took tramadol  3 times today. I had a headache in middle of night again..  First time in a couple nights.

Jan 31st went to Walmart.  We had no food in house and I thought maybe I was laying around to much. I prayed about it.  Should I go or not??? I went and my knee was killing me...came home laid down..felt a little better...made dinner.  Laid down knee worse..7:30 Rick came home I stood up from recliner and my knee felt like a pop and knife stab. Fell back into recliner.  Could not move out of chair so I slept in chair till 3:00 am.  My hubby slept on couch beside me. Until I  had to go potty.  Somehow made it to bed with help of hubby.

Feb 1st  woke up in dire pain barely slept at all.  Could not get out of bed.  Tried crutches. Too much pain...Had to call ambulance.  Matt (son I law is an EMT)  came and got me in Ambulance and took me to Eastside Medical Center.

Was in ER all day. Dr said doesn't  look broke through X-ray. See orthopedic dr this week soon as I feel like it. I can't walk. At all. They put my leg in a fiberglass cast. I have a wheelchair.  It's basically a nightmare. Very painful.

Rhemy called me in ER. Said most likely Lupus continuing  attacking joints.  Or combo of osteoarthritis.


 When we left hospital I have to sit across back seat due to cast can't bend knee which is a good thing....

This Superbowl weekend my hubby did everything for me.  Cooked and got everything I needed.  I am basically totally dependent on him....I am getting better with crutches only because I can put a little weight on my leg.  Still very painful and hope to get an appointment soon with ortho tomorrow.

Today Heather is coming over to tidy up and make dinner for us.  A precious couple in our Sunday School Class is bring dinner tomorrow night.  They also mentioned bring a bag of pecans!  Yum!

Will update after ortho visit.

Monday, January 28, 2013

He is able.


Last Thursday I received ADA paperwork in the mail.  It was time sensitive and needed to be filled out by my Dr.  My hubby and I saw my Dr at 10:00 am Friday morning.  We broke down all my diagnoses (Lupus, Fybromyalgia, Osteoartheritis and depression) and medications (yes, i am back on Prednesone and plaquenil and cellcept and flexeril and tramadol and too many more to remember)....

 We discussed the fact that Lupus is not curable and mine was continuing to be active that I am unable to work the 45 hours that is required of me as a Center Director with 30 staff and 205 kids.

So right now as of today I am on FMLA for 12 weeks (unpaid) I am applying for STD and I am praying  that I will trust God will take us through this storm. I have the 12 weeks of security of my job and my benefits.  So I am committing to pray that God will lift this from me (us) and HE will get us through.  I know HE is in charge and He is able.

A great Bible verse:

Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them. Hebrews 7:25

A Great Song:

He is able more than able
To accomplish what concerns me today
He is able more than able
To handle anything that comes my way


He is able more than able
To do much more than I could ever dream
He is able more than able
To make me what He wants me to be!



Monday, January 21, 2013

Forgive me for being so negative


Well the fish oil and Glucosamine Chondroitin which I started taking almost 3 weeks ago are doing nothing...I am worse if anything.  I now have a new scary symptom.  It has happened 3 nights in a row.  I wake up from the pain of a crushing kind of pressure of a headache...in the back of my head...its bad....it seems if I move around and try to get comfortable it goes away so it doesn't last long but it is scary... If I have another one tonight I will contact my Dr tomorrow...I felt one coming on during the day today but it never got bad.  I ran a low temp today as well.  I did work.

I have been tired, stiff, in pain and just miserable...there's no other way to say it. Since this blog is my journal I need to be specific so I can look back over this if need be.  I also have no memory....beyond an age thing...believe me... So forgive me for being so negative..I hate it too....


Thursday, January 3, 2013

I Guess I'll Just Have A Pity Party....


You have got to be kidding me.....my knee pain continued so I call Rheumotologist and she wanted me to come in... She said she didn't need an MRI to be able to tell I have Osteoarthritis in my knees.  They crack and pop and grind with simple bending.  She said it was bone on bone and it was a degenerate disease just like when I had to have the disc removed from my back...she gave me options.  Rest and continue taking all meds plus fish oil and glucosamine Chondroitin which I stopped and bought at Walgreens and  when I got home I only had the fish oil.

Other options include injections in knees or knee braces or it could lead to surgery.  All of which I am not going to do and why I am sitting at home with Fish oil.........

She suggested water aerobics and weight loss and right now I am just feeling really frustrated....

Lupus, Fibromyalgia and Osteoarthritis ......I am 58 years old and can't imagine what it will be like in 10 years....

I guess I'll just have a pity party.........