Renaissance Lady

Aluminum, Cadmium, & Lead Poisoning too!

2012-01-16T16:02:00.000-05:00

Just talked to my doctor about the heavy metal test results -- there are 3 ranges: toxic, elevated, acceptable -- I had aluminum, cadmium, and lead all register in the toxic range closely followed by (doctor said borderline) nickel, thorium, and uranium. Nothing else was worth mentioning as they fell in the acceptable region.

Insurance covers treatment for lead poisoning only, but the treatment works on the other metals as well and will just require a co pay every treatment (much better than $250 per treatment)plus there is the added benefit that the chelating agent is run on hydrogen peroxide.

I will have about 50 treatments called Short Chelation over a minimum of 2 hours (the longer the hydrogen peroxide is run the better as this is the oxygenation that will kill off the viruses and Lyme disease over time), EDTA will be the chelating agent. Here is an article on the use of EDTA for Lead Poisoning.

I will get 7 treatments in while my parents are here then I'll go down to the minimum of 1 a week for the rest of the year, as I'll have to drive myself and make arrangements for childcare for my youngest.

I am really hoping that the rest of the treatments can be done locally once my reaction is determined and my thyroid medicine is regulated. Please pray I can move treatments locally -- that is less time for my youngest to be at the sitter (5+ hours less) plus a lot less $ in gas! Also, please pray for lack of brusing and that I don't pass out, no burst veins, and for ease of IV insertion (no continuos stabbing but success 1st time every time).

I will be starting with a bolster treatment which as I understand it is a vitamin/mineral IV on Jan. 24th followed by Short Chelation on Jan 26th and 30th. There is a bolster treatment after every 5 chelations so I will actually have 2 bolsters and 5 chelations while my folks are in town.

The boys wont be able to keep up with me -- I'll be the Enegizer Mommy! by the end of the year.

Health Update

2012-01-13T16:23:00.003-05:00

The song "While I'm Waiting" by John Waller was what inspired the previous entry. Another song I like, as it reminds me I'll be whole in the future, is "There Will be a Day" by Jeremy Camp.

Ok, where have I been and what's the scoop on my health -- well as they say that is a long story...

Approximately a year and a half ago, my cardiologists where at a loss -- my tachycardia was still severe and especially during that time of the month often triggered atrial fib and syncope episodes. I still became a mindless, spineless, mess in any heat but humid heat was the worst (no more hot showers) and to make matters worse I began swelling up. Not just my hands and feet but my whole body and face -- congestive heart failure was immediately ruled out; but with the warning that in about 2-3 years it would more than likely be an issue if I couldn't get my heart rate down.

Exercise was problematic with how high my heart rate was to start and the issue with the heat -- not to mention I had absolutely no energy.

With the medical community scratching their heads and me seemingly only getting worse we took the plunge and headed to Progressive Medical Center (much thanks to family who provided financial help for the hotel and the 1st monumental set of tests).

They tested everything! Hair, saliva, unmentionables, and at least 14 vials of blood.

Results:
Anemia (again!), Thyroid disease, slow stomach with gluten intolerance, intestinal parasite, enflamed and leaky intestines causing me to be septic, Mono, Lyme Disease, Diabetes

I gave the results to my primary care, who still doesn't appear to believe anything is wrong with me, even though it was her office that caught the anemia and sent me to the OBGYN which started all of this and then to the cardiologist -- she did say it was a lot to take in and that she would have to review all the results though...

My cardiologist was over joyed -- He said to get everything under control (anemia, thyroid, mono, lymes, diabetes: all make the heart have an elevated heart rate by themselves) and if that hadn't fixed my heart then at least it would be a whole lot closer to healthy and the medicines had a better chance of doing something if they weren't rotting in my stomach.

So that's what I've been doing.

I take a boat load of supplements, killed off the parasite, gone gluten free, and seemed to be getting back to normal (only having heart issues and worrying about syncope during those 2 pesky weeks), after daily sugar testing it was determined that I did not have diabetes but was at risk, I even lost about 12 lbs through no effort at all plus a multitude of other health improvements.

Then we hit a wall -- no improvements and I began swelling up again amidst other worrisome issues, like all the weight I had lost was back plus some!

It was decided that I could only have 2-3 servings a week of gluten (I had been allowed to reintroduce gluten to my diet once my stomach and intestines where doing better) and they put me on stuff to bolster my adrenal glands. Some improvement (I can take a hot shower without passing out and my heart rate only reaches about 150) but my health still was deteriorating.

With the proverbial brick wall, the cost and distance, I had decided not to continue and went for one last consultation so I could get my thyroid prescription transferred to my primary care this last November.

I saw a doctor who took almost 2 hours with me! Hope restored. It was determined that the Lyme Disease was playing havoc with my thyroid and that I cannot have any gluten at all.

Here is an article if you want to read about how lymes affects the thyroid and why I am not a candidate for antibiotic therapy.

I had 2 tests on Dec. 5, 2011 to see if I was eligible for insurance coverage for treatment and to adjust my thyroid medicine again. We got the thyroid results rather quickly and my dosage has been changed, but the other results have just come in. The number of treatments as well as which treatment would be best and covered by insurance is still in question.

One treatment would require at least 50 infusions but is covered by insurance (only travel, sitter, and co pay costs) and would require additional mineral supplements and possibly give me issues with anemia again (controllable again by supplementation); the other treatment is supposed to be better but is not covered by insurance -- if less infusions are required and less supplementation it maybe a wash financially not to mention more convenient.

So ... waiting on doctors and insurance at this point; but I should be starting infusions this month erasing the final hurtle towards normal health.

Understanding Easter

2009-04-14T10:44:00.002-04:00

This Easter something I have known in my head, for what seems like forever, finally penetrated my heart.

My body is not my own – but bought by Christ on the cross so many years ago.

This trial of my heart is not over my physical heart but my spiritual heart.

God has impressed upon me that this is “not unto death”, so if by His stripes I am healed here – Praise the Lord! If I am healed upon entering eternity – Praise the Lord!

I can finally say as Paul, “Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. … for when I am weak, then am I strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 KJV

So what does this mean – for me I will continue to pray for strength to stand up and to complete the day, I will continue to take care of the physical body entrusted to me be it through diet, medicine, surgery… but I will no longer bargain with the Lord by impenitently saying, “When My body is better then…”

Lights, Cameras, Action! Highlights from the 2009 Christian Filmmakers Academy

2009-03-30T23:33:00.001-04:00

When Vision Forum asked me to choose one of their new albums to review, my immediate response was to accept the Let Freedom Ring: 13 CDs from the Philadelphia Faith and Freedom Tour, being a PA transplant; but my husband said “No way, didn’t you say we should send DS to their Film Academy? Get the movie album!” Even after reminding him that DS was no were near the age to attend the Academy, hubby insisted that Lights, Cameras, Action! Highlights from the 2009 Christian Filmmakers Academy was the definite way to go; besides he’d listen to all 19 CDs with me…

Well, having a deadline negated hubby from listening (he heard about half of one) but I was totally blown away with the content included on these CDs! DS has been begging for the CDs and I think I will hold them out as the proverbial carrot if you know what I mean, if hubby doesn’t snag them for his car ride into work.

Why was I so impressed? Part of it may have been I underestimated the Christian Filmmakers Academy, I just didn’t realize how professional they really were nor did I understand the vast amount of information they would convey.

I learned so much about film making starting with the very basics of frame composition and camera selection to uses for color grading and even some stunt secrets – baby powder, who knew? How to avoid common mistakes for beginning directors, how to help your actors, contacts for networking, they even touched on proper padding for stunt professionals, camera angles, storyboarding, marketing and distribution!

What didn’t I like about the album? Speaking as a newbie here and really not knowing about the film industry other than as a consumer, what I know has come from DVD Special Features and what my DS has taught me with his stop motion films or camcorder shorts, my biggest disappointment was that it was only the Highlights. Next was that since we were discussing film, it would have been nice to see the clips under discussion; I realize however, that this may have not been possible due to copyright issues. So, I had to be content with PDFs of the slides used during the lectures.

Even more impressive than the massive technical information was the fact that, sometimes while listening, I felt as if I was in church. I know we are to live our lives through the lens of Scripture, but knowing that and doing that are two different things. I was extremely humbled hearing from men who truly see God as the center of all things, are excelling in their selected field, and are willing to educate others.

The Biblical foundation they laid certainly applied to film, but so much more: the arts in general, writing, comics, painting, graphic novels, and video games – all areas DS and other young men are interested in; not only in the creation of, but for the viewing of as well.

Certainly listening to successful producers, directors, and actors whom have movies in the theaters, on cable, and in DVD distribution; extolling the virtues of Christ while imparting the importance of maintaining and promoting a Biblical world view add credence to what many of us parents are already teaching our aspiring artists.

Thank you, Vision Forum and Christian Filmmakers Academy! We’ll be looking forward to next years CDs.

Heart Health Update

2009-03-16T22:43:00.004-04:00

I know I should have updated before but …

Since the last heart entry:

I have been on a few more meds and even a combination to no avail.
My MRI came back clear (no stroke), praise the Lord!
I was diagnosed with COI, Chronic Orthostatic Intolerance so named by neurologists, something something Tachycardia by cardiologist; but it’s the same thing. The two medications I was on the longest are known to cause COI and I have other classic symptoms.
My blood work came back indicating that my thyroid had indeed been negatively affected by the meds; thus the swelling of my extremities (I had to take my rings off because of my thyroid not any marital trouble, that’s a bit of humor, but true)
I was taken off all medications for a 3 month trial period (to be over in about 2 weeks) – This has been awesome!!!
Atrial Fib and Neurovascular Syncope are still an issue, but for the most part occurring only during the last 2 weeks of the feminine cycle. This makes sense as the atrial fib was originally caused by synthetic hormones that were made to mimic the natural hormones released at this time – also syncope is a blood flow issue and of course blood flow is changed at that time as well. My last cycle scared us a bit; as I almost didn’t make it from the chair to the sofa (syncope) then immediately went into A. Fib at 187 beats/min. It just underlined the fact that their suggestion that I don’t drive at certain times of the month was not really a suggestion.

COI unfortunately is not contained to 2 weeks each month but a daily constant. COI causes the weird neurological sensations, chronic Tachycardia (rapid heartbeat), weakening of muscles, brain fog, and fainting sensation. For which the patient needs to lay down much of the time.

With extreme care COI is possibly reversible through exercise. It is hard because the cure can cause increased Tachycardia and for me (just because I like to be special) Syncope, both of which can lead to Atrial Fib and other undesirable outcomes.

I am to increase exercise at a ridiculously slow rate 2 – 5 minutes a day for a minimum of 1 to 2 weeks before increasing it by another 2 – 5 minutes and so on to get rid of COI, while trying to avoid syncope and atrial fib. Recommended exercise is on a stationary bike then a treadmill – I have both. I am not able to exercise if I have a flu; as with congestion comes breathing problems which naturally increases the heart rate and I cannot increase it any further.
I am able to drive again limited to days when the exercises doesn’t trigger COI, Syncope, or Atrial Fib and not during ovulation/menstruation.
I can resume normal house work etc with the same limitations as above
I have been warned by the doctor that this is a long process, he suggested 5 years as a minimum, articles we’ve read on the internet say recover is undocumented – Praise God now that it won’t be that long!
There is a procedure but it only has 50% success rate and it would limit my life forever as it involves a pacemaker; I would be sent to a hospital in a different state if they would take my case (my doctor has referred others with less complications, who have been turned down)
Along with COI my thyroid has been damaged – it is being watched, the hope is that further from the damaging meds and with the exercise it will recover and I will lose weight again, plus be able to lose the weight gained due to side effects. This is huge prayer request! As losing weight will benefit my heart and spur on COI recovery. Getting rid of COI will lessen syncope as no longer will everything be a “stressor/trigger”. Lessening syncope, as well as time away from med induced atrial fib, could possibly make me atrial fib free. In addition the added weight and my family history make me a candidate for Type II Diabetes so a functioning thyroid would be very beneficial.

Current Prayer Requests:

Wisdom to know when to go to the hospital if atrial fib or tachycardia become a problem– this is not clear cut due to the multiple issues
Wisdom to know when and how far I can drive – we don’t want to get stuck somewhere or have an accident
Patience, about two years ago I was doing an hour on the treadmill
Wisdom to know how long to exercise, and when to do the next increase
Again, against atrial fib and stroke and that syncope be back under control
Healing from all side effects: brain fog, COI, thyroid, vision, unspoken.

Just so you don’t think it’s all bad – I have been loving being off the medicines! Just being of the medications allows me to push through some of the COI (as long as I don’t go above 150, I have to back off when I start getting into the 150s).

My mom had to come visit to make sure when I started excising nothing happened; but we got some bulk groceries in, some deep cleaning done, and she taught me how to crochet. Of course the boys loved having her here and kept asking when Poppop was coming down and who would visit next Grandma and Granddaddy, cousins, Aunts, Uncles …

But the best thing of all is we’ve been reading a lot about thyroids and Iodine came up – we had already read that Iodine deficiency can play a part in Atrial Fib as well. So, I started taking the recommended Iodine supplement last week and my heart rate has decreased 10 to 20 beats across the board: at rest, laying down, standing up, even not going as high while doing my few seconds of exercise! Hopefully, this will continue to be the case even during “that time”.

I want to thank everyone again for all the prayers and offers to help. Especially, for rides for the boys to their activities – it means the world to us!

We’re still expecting a miracle!

Praising the Lord

2009-03-01T18:35:00.011-05:00

I know I haven’t posted for some time and I need to give a health update, however last week was extremely rough, as far as, the heart issue is concerned; and I don’t want to do that today. I love the thought of publicly thanking the Lord and want to do so again by participating in “Works of God Weekend” so here goes:

1. Our heater broke last Friday and not this weekend.

We have a fireplace.
We were able to purchase wood.

We were able to haul the wood.

We have sleeping bags and warm clothes.

2. Although, the part of the heater that burn up a bit was in the attic, producing a fowl odor and some smoke, our insulation and therefore the house did not catch on fire.

3. A member of our church does repairs for a living, so we were able to have the heater fixed Monday and we know we will be paying a fair price and that it has been fixed properly.

4. One of the reasons I have not been posting is because I have received a few Internet jobs and they take all of my extra energy – so this praise is threefold:

First, I received the jobs and with much prayer, I have been able to do the work.
Second, I received a payment this week (providential timing!)
Third, the laptop on which I work would not reboot (containing the final version of the assignment) – after prayer it did! I transferred to our main computer (which doesn’t always work either) and was able to send the job in.

5. Our eldest has received a few computer games as gifts over the last few years and various computer issues have made it so he could no longer play his games on the weekend, his daddy contacted the customer service and through trial and error has managed to get the games working again!

6. Family and friends!

Nana decided to buy DS6 several hats and gloves even though the daffodils had started blooming
Our neighbor brought DS12 two wonderfully warm jackets over on Friday.

7. Even though we had tornado warnings all of yesterday, DS6 was able to participate in his last basketball game without any migraine medication!

8. We don’t have to worry about Global Warming – it’s SNOWING in Georgia!

9. It’s snowing in Georgia! DS12 and his daddy have been missing snow for so long, while DS6 has heard all the stories and seen a flake here or there, that when we heard there was a chance we’ve all been praying!

10. Georgia Snow Boots: To make your own – Place your foot in one or two plastic bags and tie somewhat tightly. Then slide into a “Croc” style shoe with the strap down in the back position. Whala a truly redneck but functional boot (sort of, but it worked for us).

Explaination and Health Update -- Extremely Long Post

2008-11-03T01:06:00.002-05:00

Thank you all for your prayers and concern.

Many of you have asked how I am doing, I have not responded for several reasons: First it fluctuates. Second it is often difficult to dwell on, articulate, and repeat; especially in moments which I am struggling to maintain some sort of resemblance to normal life. Third sometimes the children are by and we have worked hard to maintain the balance between needed information and outright fear.

Below, I will attempt to briefly summarize what happened and where we are now; plus apologize for any slight. Also, due to the public nature of the blogging forum, some issues and side-effects I will not discuss; this does not mean I am not having them. So please continue to pray against side-effects and complete physical restoration from those suffered. Thanks.

Let me start with, I think we are seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.

Many of you know that I have passed out from time to time since college. At first it was thought to be a blood sugar issue coupled with the feminine cycle; however, after several repeat performances over the years I was seen by a neurologist – brain tumor and seizure disorders where ruled out and we received a comforting diagnosis: low blood pressure, prone to fainting when the body is under severe stress. No big deal! I have learned how to “detect” my pre-faint symptoms and except for a rare few, circumvent the faint.

Enter in the anemia. Prior to the birth of our oldest (he is now 12), I was told that I was “slightly anemic” and that it was no big deal – just to eat more spinach and to cook in an iron skillet. I ate spinach; the iron skillet was too heavy for me to lift so it was ignored.

I suffered two miscarriages, an accident at work, and was a passenger and pedestrian in several car accidents. The doctors had commented that they could not understand why it took me so long to heal. They tested for nerve damage and then Fibermalgia both came back negative – no one tested my iron.

Our oldest was born and I suffered another miscarriage. I started loosing my hair and I was always, always exhausted. I was told that was normal for a new mother and to try and nap when our son did. We moved to Ohio. I passed out a 5th time and severely bruised the front of my head and injured my right eye permanently.

We went to Israel 2x and I singly drove our son back and forth to PA and CT from Ohio in order to visit family while Chuck was in Israel. Fainting was not an issue, exhaustion was constant, and the hair lose was now considered normal.

Our youngest was born (he is now 6), we moved to SC. Exhaustion was extreme but considering the craziness of our move and the fact that our youngest was ill and undergoing multiple neurological tests all by the time he was 6 months old – we considered it normal.

I was constantly sick, exhausted, and cold (the guys would be in shorts and I’d wear jeans, long sleeves, and a sweater in the SC sun) – we deemed the sickness and exhaustion to recently developed allergies and the aforementioned stress, being cold just weirdness.

We moved to Georgia.

When our youngest was 4, I was sick yet again.

I do not like to take the children to the doctors with me as that would require them to sit in the waiting room when they are actually healthy. I don’t like that they often seemed to catch whatever illness had been treated that day. Remember that in SC we were always at the doctors for our little one, and one time he literally caught everything in the office and almost died – so although it is somewhat a ridiculous fear it is one that I do have, and I avoid taking them with me.

I had had a fever for over 10 days and since my parents were visiting they pressed me to go. Although, I was not a new patient to the practice the doctor was new – he ordered a full workup. My iron and hemoglobin did not register on the results. He began iron pills immediately. Within a week I started feeling the difference! Almost nill side-effects and within a month we noticed significant reduction in hair lose, I started to feel human – I felt like the woman who had touched Jesus’ hem. Healed.

The doctors however, wanted to determine the cause of this extreme anemia – and ordered tests. Cancer and internal bleeding were ruled out. Time and feminine issues seemed to be the culprit. A hormone was prescribed, after completing the first 8 days, I had a shooting, single pain in my heart, it was momentary and nothing else seemed to happen – I completed the prescribed 10 days and had another shooting pain.

With no obvious difference and due to the shooting sensation, a different hormone was prescribed for the next month. On day two of the medication I had an eleven hour atrial fibrillation episode. In the AM, I called the doctor, they told me to contact my primary care and then the obvious, “stop taking the medication” and to have it put on my medical record that I was not a candidate for hormone therapy.

I called my primary care and due to lost phone messages, and overbooking they did not see me until exactly one week later – my ECG was still severely abnormal – they started me on baby aspirin and had me carry nitroglycerin. I saw the cardiologist, he administered a stress test, I passed out but still passed the test and was dismissed.

I noticed an extreme reaction to any heat and repeated atrial fib where occurring in a cyclic manner – so I went back to the cardiologist several times – he told me to carry the nitro and that I would have to live with it until menopause; he’d see me in 9 months.

I got another doctor. He reviewed my medical record and labeled the fainting as syncope.
He told me to never take nitroglycerin, because with syncope it was deadly. Then placed me on the 30 day heart monitor.

He mentioned that most of the time when I pushed the record button nothing appeared wrong, but at least one episode of atrial fib was record on self-record mode. He referred me to the electrophysiologist and put me on a beta-blocker.

The beta-blocker was horrible – mental confusion, no memory, a return to extreme exhaustion, I got lost driving locally, I couldn’t read picture books, I had to focus so hard on any task that if someone said hello to me without actually being in my face I had no clue (sorry, I truly did not mean to ignore you), if someone did get my attention often I could not converse as I was trying to keep an eye on my children, could not formulate the words I was trying to say, or could not honestly remember anything they had just said two seconds ago (sorry again, if I appeared rude or indifferent). And those where just the mental side-effects not the insomnia, constipation …

They switched me to a calcium blocker – all of the above still applied, but add in blood spots, most appeared all over my skin – but some started appearing in my eyes and my vision was greatly distorted and my eyes hurt, atrial fib episodes increased. I was told to return to the beta blocker and if I could keep my heart beat below 100 on that; then I could keep my scheduled appointment; if not, be seen immediately.

The 1st three weeks of the beta blocker are the worst; I had some things I wanted to participate in at church and with the boys. My heartbeat was staying below 100 without medication, so I thought I’d just wait a week before restarting the beta blocker. This was an extremely unwise decision of which the results where not good. I called the doctor; he prescribed a different medicine and mentioned that the ablation might not be avoidable.

This 3rd med was by far the least disruptive with mental issues, although I still could only focus on one thing at a time, writing and speaking were still difficult, and heat was becoming more of a problem, I had begun losing my hair again on med two, and like med. 2 rapid weight gain was an issue with the added benefit of mood swings.

Enter additional stress, at the end of September, Chuck flew up to CT to help take Mom to Boston for her ablation, she made it, praise the Lord! But I think it was more stressful having to being left here and not knowing what was happening. Other stresses followed and soon after my grandmother died. I flew to the funeral, I had some issues but considering the meds and the situation, I thought I had done well; I passed out on the plane home on Sunday.

The following Thursday night I had the stroke type symptoms – extremely hard to describe other than to say I felt extremely weird and had very odd sensations in my right eye and right leg. We kept taking my pulse and blood pressure – I had specific instructions as to when to go to the hospital – I did not meet those criteria. I called the doctor in the AM. I talked with the nurse and she kept telling me I should have gone to the hospital. Finally, she clarified that the information I had been using to judge if I was to go to the hospital was for heart attack and atrial fib not stroke; being that what I had described was possibly a stroke, I should have gone to the hospital.

The doctor was not in, but I would hear from him on Monday – I called Monday, then Tuesday. I talked to the doctor – then Wednesday had my testing.

It was determined that an ablation at this time would have not resolved the issue and may have caused more damage, not to mention unnecessary risks. It was also decided that possibly we had been treating the wrong thing.

Due to the initial severity and length of the atrial fib apparently my neurovascular syncope was no longer an irregular annoyance. In fact the two things appeared greatly linked – low blood pressure causes pooling of blood in the legs, compensated for by increased heart beat – which could lead to fibrillation, fibrillation leads to pooling of the blood and less blood getting to the brain, which leads to syncope episodes. Too many episodes or lengthy episodes can lead to Sudden Death Syndrome and/or seizure disorders, stroke … (worse case scenario)

Since, atrial fibrillation started this whole thing that was where treatment was focused. Untreated atrial fib can worsen and lead to ventricle fib (the one that causes the deadly heart attacks), and all fibrillation can cause blood clotting resulting in stroke – again worse case scenario. However, treatment is to thin the blood and slow the heart; equaling less blood to the brain triggering syncope.

Round and round we go. I was obviously getting worse and the stakes were getting higher.

I am now on a high blood pressure medicine (go figure) in an attempt to treat the syncope. The hope is: get the now way out-of-control syncope back to a manageable state and hopefully in the process fix the atrial fibrillation and avoid the ablation.

If you do enough research you will see that if the syncope is not controllable via medication a pacemaker is the next step – we are praying against this! We are also praying that the syncope will come under control and solve the atrial fibrillation.

The doctor has warned that since I have been dealing with atrial fibrillation for about 2 years now, that it may not be so cured. He did however, express the hope.

I now have the fun of rebuilding my physical body from the 9+ months of fib medication and the possible stroke – I was told it could be likened to what is termed ‘chemo brain’ and that in time, usually about a year, I should be mentally restored to pre-med status – hopefully that includes complete restoration of my sight, hair retention, and restoration from the other side-effect spawned issues.

So – how is the new med working? Well, I am entering my second week – they told me it takes 2 weeks to get into your system completely. So far it does not appear to be doing anything, but again it is too early to tell.

I have a wrist watch now, that accurately measures my heart beat – the higher the pulse the lower the blood pressure in this case. You want to maintain about 60 to 80 at rest. Again, if my pulse goes over 100, I’m in trouble and have to be careful as I need to watch for fib, syncope, and now stroke. It fluctuates so fast – to give you an idea – today in less than a 5 minute interval it went to 110, (laid down to avoid syncope) 187, 97, 83, 104 … stayed in bed until it stayed between 83 and 94 for at least 10 minutes.

Obviously, such drastic swings are not good for my heart, blood vessels, or peace of mind – so please continue to pray for healing, restoration of physical issues spoken and unspoken, and peace. Plus if complete divine healing is not the answer, please pray that the correct medicine will be found soon (with no side-effects – yes, I believe in miracles), to control the syncope and heal the fibrillation all while preventing strokes.

Our God is mighty and if He chooses to answer the above requests I could be completely healed in a year! Completely, healed would mean the syncope was under control and I wouldn’t even need medicine for it, an occasional iron pill (about 4 a month), and no fibrillation or strokes! This is what I have chosen, through faith, to believe is in store for me.

My family and friends are awesome. Thank you for overlooking any offence due to my scatter brain and for all the offers of help. We still may take you upon on them as I have been warned not to drive during certain times of the month or if I need to go to the doctor for both heart or side-effect issues and all of Chuck’s vacation is gone.

Thanks again,

Krista

Happy Sunday

2008-09-07T23:24:00.003-04:00

Just wanted to say I was still here -- the last medicine was a nightmare and that's all we will say about that! I am on a new one for which the side effects still exist, but are nowhere near as bad as the others. I go to the doctor's tomorrow in the AM and the decision will be made if this medicine is working well enough to re-try the 6 to 8 months or to schedule the heart surgery.

I've wanted to participate in the Acts of God Weekend for a while now over at The Dusty Frame http://adustyframe.com/ so here goes:

Praises to God our King!

1. My sister's uterine cancer test came back negative.

2. My father-in-law is no longer unemployed.

3. My five year old suffers from migraines with several of the more severe symptoms – he added throwing up to his partial paralysis, nausea, vertigo, aurora … anyhow since Fay he’s been having a real rough time. On Friday AM he was doing very poorly, with Hannah going through, so I emailed people requesting prayer. Not only did he keep his medicine down but by about 1:30 he even ate some crackers! We were so blessed by all the prayers and he really could feel the difference. Thank you Jesus.

God Provides Our Money, Let's Keep God On Our Money!

2008-08-28T00:08:00.003-04:00

This is a copy of a chain email that I received: I did vote and at this posting the Poll is still open.

Here's your chance to let the media know where the people stand on our faith in God, as a nation. NBC is taking a poll on 'In God We Trust' to stay on our American currency. Please send this to every Christian you know so they can vote on this important subject. Please do it rightaway, before NBC takes this off the web page. Poll is still open so youcan vote. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10103521/

Doctor’s, Tea, and Me

2008-07-17T13:18:00.003-04:00

Busy, busy, busy … but isn’t that the way summer is?

We were truly blessed to have my sister and her family come down to visit.

My brother in-law deserves a metal! After driving the long journey, he was left to deal with two sisters (me and his wife) and four kiddos. Not only did he take them to the park one day, but on another day he took the kiddos to lunch and then swimming at their hotel while we ladies went to tea. I have a thing for tea and tea accoutrements so I have to show you the set my sister gifted me with:

Isn’t it beautiful!

Of course, since they don’t normally visit every year and they had just come last summer, they purposely timed their visit so that my hubby could accompany me to the doctor while they watched the boys.

So here’s the scoop:

There is more than one type of atrial fibrillation and the type that I have is not fatal (that means when I have an episode my heart should not explode). That’s good news! However, if ignored and allowed to continue that status could change.
Unfortunately, with all types of atrial fibrillation, my blood can pool in my heart, clot, and cause a stroke.
The beta blocker medication I was on is not an option – it didn’t stop the episodes and the side-effects where considerable and life controlling.
Ablation is still an option; but, due to obvious risks and a small chance of failure we opted to try a new medication in the calcium blocker category first.
Apparently, the hormone prescribed to me, which began this whole ordeal, is capable of “rewiring” your heart electrochemically by burning new pathways. However, if the episodes can be stopped completely for about 6 to 8 months: the older, God ordained pathways can re-immerge as the dominant pathways and negate the surgery.
As usual there are a slew of side-effects, so here is a prayer request: that this medication stops all episodes, no side-effects, and that the heart reverts so surgery is mute.

PS – take a gander at the Entrepreneurial Days to the right, I hope to write a little about my experience in 2006 when I’m not so disoriented (side-effect) both the beta and calcium blockers tend to make me a very distractible with the inability to focus, confused, air head (thus not many posts as they are very difficult to compose at this juncture). So, please excuse any grammar, spelling issues, etc.

Jamestown vs. Plymouth Providential Differences

2008-06-26T21:33:00.002-04:00

You might not agree with everything that I say, nor I with you; but we still can be friends. This is the foundation of America. We view things differently but choose to work together. This too, is Dr. Paul Jehle’s premise; when he asserts that God orchestrated the spiritual foundations of our country through Plymouth and Jamestown.

The Providential Nexus of Plymouth and Jamestown by Vision Forum Ministries is not an argument over which town began America, but a call to today’s Christians to unite and fulfill God’s ultimate plan for America.

From the summary blurb (below) I had been expecting a documentary comparing the historical significance of Jamestown and Plymouth followed by some startling evidence as to how the two were entwined. Instead, Dr. Jehle delivers a sermon with a poignant reminder of our spiritual foundations. He uses historical evidences, concerning the towns, as an insightful object lesson to drive the point home: that regardless of doctrinal or worship differences, if we agree on the fundamentals of the Gospel then we have enough to unite and fulfill God’s purpose.

In all Dr. Jehle does well with defending his argument with historical information, not being a scholar myself, I trust Vision Forum to be correct on these points. That being said, The Providential Nexus of Plymouth and Jamestown would be an excellent video for anyone studying American History and a wonderful way to introduce pastors and congregations to the idea of a community worship service and/or missions initiative.

To obtain your copy of The Providential Nexus of Plymouth and Jamestown by Vision Forum Ministries click on the Vision Forum button or link to the right.

From the back of The Providential Nexus of Plymouth and Jamestown:
Was the Jamestown Settlement founded for solely commercial purposes? Was the Plymouth Colony formed simply to establish religious liberty? For centuries, there have been tensions among historians about the legacies of these two early settlements, resulting in a geographical turf battle over which colony gave birth to the American ideal. Jamestown claims to be America’s birthplace. Plymouth claims to be America’s hometown. So how do we reconcile the two? In this illuminating message, Dr. Paul Jehle clarifies many misconceptions and demonstrates that while Jamestown and Plymouth had real differences, each had vital strengths that the other needed — and that, over time, God would providentially weave together these elements to form the greatest nation in the West.

Call to Action

2008-06-22T23:03:00.001-04:00

I just signed a petition calling on Congress to protect the free-speech rights of conservatives over the airwaves from Focus on the Family Action.

Dr. Dobson, Rush Limbaugh and all conservative and Christian broadcasters could be stifled unless we take action.

We have just a few days left to tell Congress to take action. Please go here to sign:
http://www.focuspetitions.com/155/petition.asp?PID=16984082&NID=1

Thanks!

Tired, Weary Mom? -- Free Encouragement!

2008-06-13T22:16:00.003-04:00

I promised to tell you a little about the Ultimate Homeschool Expo -- so here goes ...

I attended the event "live" and enjoyed it much more than I can articulate here, in fact, since it is a virtual seminar it just keeps on giving.

I didn't post anything about the Expo prior to the event, because I had never been involved in such a thing -- but it certainly was worth the $4o and more.

Talking about $40 -- the price will jump as soon as ALL the "live sessions" are loaded, so you may want to get your ticket now -- bookmark this page so you can get back to the ticket link at the bottom of this post (please get it here as I am soooooooo enjoying this I'm now an affiliate).

Below is a little more about the virtual seminar and all that you receive for the price of a tank of gas ... I mean $40 plus a free gift, no strings attached!

You see one of the neat things about the Ultimate Homeschool Expo is that everything is ONLINE. Cindy builds a private, exclusive Membership Site that includes everything from the UHSE in one place--it has audios (from all of the sessions and from the bonus gifts that her speakers give to us), ebooks, complete unit study guides, articles, printable notebooking pages, cookbooks, on and on. I can't believe all of the things that we receive for only $40. It is truly ULTIMATE!

Anyway, back to the reason that I am sharing this with you...
Cindy gave me permission to give you a sampler of one of her free gifts that is included on the Membership Site. I am so excited to give it to you! It is a audio and ebook set that she actually sells on her website, but she is giving away on the Membership Site.

Here is the link for: Oops! My Cup is Empty and My Coffee Pot is Broke!
Audio Workshop Download With Cindy Rushton

Tired? Weary? Find yourself overwhelmed by the tremendous load of motherhood? Do you consider this one of the most demanding, yet rewarding roles you will ever fill…yet that send shivers down your spine? Join Cindy as she exhorts you in your high calling.

This workshop shares Cindy’s heart as she shares about those good days and bad days…sweet memories and rather bitter moments that have made life so precious all along the way.

Taking you on a journey back in Scripture to meet Hannah, Cindy will share God’s answers to her heart cry during times she has found her OWN cup empty while “everything” continued to hit all at once!! The biblical insights are sure to draw YOUR heart to your Heavenly Father AND to those you are pouring into. Join us as Cindy ministers encouragement and direction straight from the Word of God to your heart, soul, and mind!

Download by Mp3http://www.cindysdesktop.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/OopsNashvilleMP3.mp3

You know the saying that a picture captures a thousand words,well...what about a a gift like this??? And, just think...this is only ONE of the awesome gifts included on the Membership Site. There are hundreds more!

Take my word for it, you will WANT a ticket to this event and access to all of the wonderful resources. Grab your ticket here:
http://www.cindysaffiliates.com/go.php?offer=earnnburn7&pid=1

Over Did It

2008-06-04T01:02:00.002-04:00

Sunday, after services, our adult Sunday school classes held a picnic at the local lake. Things seemed ok until I walked up a hill, I could feel issues with my heart starting; but ignored them as going down was not a problem, and I thought I’d rest at the bottom.

However, my hubby wanted to go canoeing, something we both enjoy and seemed relaxing enough. Wrong! Within two paddle strokes I knew I couldn’t do it. It was so frustrating to just sit there. I kept mentally telling myself just to enjoy the beautiful ride; but it was so hard not to get bitter over the loss of the ability to do normal, everyday things.

Hours latter, I was still having issue with my heart so I took my pulse, it wasn’t in the critical zone as defined by my doctor, but I was curious as to what a normal pulse generally is. I searched “pulse” on the Internet and that led to me finding this great article about what atrial fibrillation is, its causes, and its treatments.

http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/heart-disease-atrial-fibrillation-basics

Note: Over-doing-it inevitably caused me to be up until about 4 AM between my heart and the medication’s side effect of insomnia, resulting in me being a complete zombie on Monday. So, why am I still up? Well, here’s the toughie – because I felt fine this AM and we had a lot to do … anyhow, trying not to completely relive the results of Sunday, I laid down around 9:30 – only to have my cell phone ring right after 10 with a wrong number. Causing me to jump, my heart to race, and this amazingly boring post – but hey, we don’t want anything too exciting because I have a heart condition.

Time Sensitive Deals!

2008-05-15T13:19:00.000-04:00

1. Today, May 15, 2008 at 5 PM EST is the end of the 20 Free e-book titles available for download from CURRclick – link in sidebar.

2. Tonight, May 15, 2008 at 12 AM is the end of the Free $25 – Green $25 button on sidebar. I already received my $25!

3. May 20, 2008 (or while supplies last) is the end of the 50% off sale for the Complete R.M. Ballantyne Adventure Library (20 Volumes) at Vision Forum – link in sidebar. I soooooo want these for the boys – maybe next time…

4. Around the end of the month ticket’s for Cindy Rushton’s Home and School Expo 2008 will go from $40 to around $100 – why the deal now? Because the site is still under construction – that means there is more! I did “attend” a few of these live and will post about them soon. Well worth it. Link in sidebar.

Haircut Day!

2008-04-23T17:09:00.001-04:00

Yes, we cut our own hair. And you can tell LOL!

It started when my husband lost enough hair that he thought it was ridiculous to pay the going rate for what was accomplished – he said the price should be prorated. He then purchased a haircut kit (video has been lost to our dismay) and told me he had utter confidence in my ability, since I had been cutting my bangs for years.

Then I trimmed the boys’ hair when they were little so as not to traumatize them. I’ve been cutting the whole family’s hair ever since!

Mind you, my haircuts are accomplished with scissors – but, as I’ve never had any training, alway turnout looking like ‘buzz cuts’. Praise the Lord; I’m only cutting guys’ hair!

Coming to Terms with Atrial Fibrillation

2008-04-10T10:40:00.002-04:00

Well, it is amazing what a stress relief writing things down is, as the Psalmist and the author of A Dusty Frame well knew/know.

Also, two hours of sleep, Son-light and sunshine, and a reasonable husband all help too!

My hubby reminded me that I still am getting better – this med is just to ensure that no damage is caused during that recovery, more than likely in time I’ll be off of this medicine too. He also, reminded me that my body should get use to any side effects in the short term. Plus, I was thinking I might not mind the side effect of suppressed appetite (see 3rd reason for this blog name LOL).

Not focusing on oneself in the wee hours of the night, but remembering all we have to be grateful for is also extremely helpful – so with a cue from “ourquiverfull”, here is my thankful list.

My hubby – thanks Mom and Dad, he’s perfect for me!
My children and the fact that they are healthy – we’re still praying for you Noah, Kate, and Abby!
My family – even through sad circumstances God works; and now my folks are here to help with the boys for the 1st few days of this medicine adjustment
I found out how to remove the electrode patches without ripping my skin and only 6 more days to go with the monitor
My dad doesn’t have prostate cancer
My father in-law is recovering so well he has amazed his doctors – prayer is so awesome! Please, continue to pray for a new job.
All my wonderful neighbors – yesterday, I found out that one of my neighbors is a volunteer fire fighter, trained in the use of an emergency fibrillator – how convenient is that?
I turning 38 this Saturday and not 40 like my sister did last month – now 40 is old, I’m still a spring chicken LOL (my sister who is far away reads this so I have to tease her some how …)
Our nation – and those that sacrifice to have made and keep it free. We deeply appreciate your sacrifice and our freedoms of religion and education which it protects
While talking with my neighbor yesterday the cat we are watching for a month didn’t escape, even though the door had blown open and went un-noticed for some time – more about “A Month with a Cat” on my school blog towards the end of this month.
Blog readers that forgive extremely sleepy writer’s lack of grammar and coherence

http://adustyframe.com/
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/ourquiverfull/
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/SMILEacademy/

Atrial Fib

2008-04-10T02:33:00.002-04:00

Sometime, maybe I’ll write my whole heart story; but for now, the short story:
due to medication I was prescribed, I’ve had a heart condition for a little over a year now.

The further in time I got from the initial medication the better I was feeling, other issues cropped up from the underlying issue for which I had originally been prescribed the medicine at fault; but, in those areas too, progress was being made.

Unfortunately, the problems with my heart occurred in a cyclic, although predictable pattern. The cardiologist I had at the time was anything but helpful, he told me to carry Nitroglycerin until I was through menopause; and when I described other symptoms he told me I was an enigma. I got a new cardiologist.

The new cardiologist went through my medical history thoroughly, told me to throw away the Nitroglycerin as I have another condition (cardiologist #1 completely missed this, although aware of it from my chart) which combined with Nitroglycerin in extreme cases could be fatal and in most cases would make things worse; then put me on this 30 day event monitor.

Now, comes the part that is getting me upset, in turn setting off the monitor, and getting me upset again! I knew that I had been dealing with a lot of stress as:
* My father was being tested for prostate cancer
* My in-laws were going through MAJOR medical issues requiring surgery
* My father-in-law was laid off
* We had tornado warnings every week for a month straight (extreme weather
effects my 5 year old’s migraines in a negative fashion)
* Singular hit the news – which both my 12 and 5 year old were on (oldest has mild
asthma and would stop breathing at night due to allergies; youngest, allergies affect
his migraines in a negative fashion) and we noticed it was definitely effecting our 5 yr
old – not so much the 12 yr old but … took him off too just incase
But this stress caused me to have events outside of the now predictable cycle; I know it was stress related; because, if I forced myself to calm down they stopped, and once we made it through the bulk of the issues it was back to the old cycle. So, in my mind, I felt that now that I finally was being seen by a competent cardiologist, I really didn’t need him. When the 30 days was up, I’d go to his office and he’d say, “No worries, just learn to handle stress better.”

So, why am I up past 2:10 AM writing a blog entry? Because, the cardiologist office called and said I have Atrial Fibrillation and tomorrow I start medication with the possible side effects of: fatigue, nausea, constipation, headaches, ankle swelling, and loss of appetite. My spirit is crushed! I’m supposed to be better!

Plus, I feel a bit stupid. Out of all the times I’ve been calling the events in, only once did they say they needed to notify the doctor – for some reason I thought that meant I was wasting their time – not that they only notified the doctor in life threatening emergencies and the rest of the time just forwarded the scans for him to peruse at his leisure. I never dreamed that I wasn’t getting better; that there would be another issue, or that I might go back to having no energy and literally have to drag myself around again.

About, a year and a half ago when the initial issue was finally diagnosed (after gradually worsening over 12 years); I was so ecstatic, finally a diagnosis and it wasn’t insanity!

There was a reason my hair was falling out, I had no energy, I had problems remembering and focusing, when I caught a virus or flu it took me 2x as long to get better, and why I always felt sick.

I distinctly remember, the whole time I was undergoing tests, that through my tears, God gave me peace and told me, that in a year I’d be better. Now, a year and a half latter, it appeared to be being fulfilled.

Where is my promise from the Lord?

Pray for me, please: no side effects and that the joy of the Lord be restored to my soul.

PS: My mother prayed Proverbs 18:14 over me, and I know it is true; but, I can’t seem to shake this fear of the side effects – especially the fatigue and headaches.

Real Estate Days

2008-04-06T22:15:00.002-04:00

Here is an educational event that I wish I could attend; but, we have too many health and family issues for me to get away right now. I’ve attended events from this company before (Entrepreneurial Days 2006 and the 2008 Writing for the Web Class); personally, I and my family have profited greatly from both!

* * * * * * * * *

Average Americans earn $46k per year. Average real estate investors can earn $46k per transaction.

It's not because they are greedy or lucky; it's because they are educated.

If you or anyone in your family ever plans to buy a house, the education you'll get at Real Estate Days can change your life.

Plus, imagine how much you will save on every house you buy during your lifetime, whether you ever become an average real estate investor or not.

Experts will teach virtual concepts even seasoned real estate investors don't know; come to this cutting-edge family real estate event to learn how to invest in real estate using the Internet; and learn how to profit in the current housing market.

http://rheaperrydays.com/
Next weekend in Huntsville, Alabama!

Who Knows What Else We Are Consuming

2008-03-10T11:20:00.000-04:00

Just some ranting after reading the news…

Associated Press writers Jeff Donn, Martha Mendoza and Justin Pritchard have uncovered the obvious in their article AP Probe Finds Drugs in Drinking Water.

Interesting, that as of late, doctors are crying antibiotic resistance; a direct result of over prescribing. Yet I know that I haven’t had them over prescribed, you? I can see why a slim few might have build up a resistance; but, that should not affect my prescribed healthcare or should it?

Flip the newspaper page, for one second, and what do you see about our sources of food? Genetically altered vegetables, beef fed antibiotics, chickens fed animal waste products … Let’s see I eat beef and ingest milk products; it seems cows have had an influx of unnecessary antibiotics … I eat chicken and it appears they’ve been fed animal byproducts (probably beef byproducts, just a guess). Not to mention animal waste products are often used as fertilizers; isn’t it obvious that through seepage these unnecessary medicinal chemicals would enter our water supply?

Add the above to the articles additional source of medications such as those used for chemo therapy, seizures, ADHD, sexual disorders and diseases, and what do you get? A chemical nightmare! Not to mention what’s thrown in via acid rain and just plain old pollution.

So where am I going with all of this? Yes, I’m still buying the food and drinking the water and paying the ridiculous currently inflated prices to do it! Why, because what else can I do? I live in suburbia where neighborhood covenants forbid farm animals; plus I’m not that interested in becoming a strict vegan; nor can I afford to go completely ‘organic’. However, I am certainly going to look into a Reverse Osmosis water system, as expensive as they are, for our kitchen sink; I might buy more Laura’s Beef even at the raised price; and maybe I’ll hit a farmers market for some eggs (not likely as I'm not aware of any).

Really folks, it is a bit too late for us … but for our children, maybe there is a bit of a chance yet. Just think there may even be a cure for ADHD and Allergies and it could be as simple as clean water and God intended natural food!

Here are three different links to the same article that spawned this tirade.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080309/ap_on_re_us/pharmawater_i
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5hGsoyElv4ZL879LW6z2aZS0Pix7AD8VA14500
http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=4416882

Love Spice

2008-02-29T12:45:00.000-05:00

When my youngest DS was born until his third birthday, we moved six times through three states. Although, he had his own room in each state he had been too young to remember them, and as far as he knew he had always shared a room (thus was the case whenever we were in temporary housing – as an infant he was with us, then his brother).

He was quite traumatized when he received his own room. He verbalized this by saying, “No one loves me!” When asked why he said such a thing, it was because no one slept with him at night. Nana and Poppop slept together (they were in our living room, having come down to help us move), Mommy and Daddy slept together, and now brother didn’t want to sleep with him.

Nothing verbal would reassure him. So I invented “Love Spice”. I purchased an empty spice jar (with a removable twist cap and a sprinkle lid – if you recycle a jar make sure it is a sweet spice like cinnamon as the scent never completely washes out); I had meant to decorate it and put “glitter hearts” inside; but never got a chance as our situation grew desperate.

At bed time, I introduced the “Love Spice” as I sprinkled it on his head, heart, legs and toes I said, “On your head so you know you’re loved, on your heart so you feel you’re loved, and all the way down to your toes.” Then we quickly put the lid on so none could escape and I said, “Now we hug and kiss it in.” The last part of course is smothered in kisses and an occasional tickle. It worked.

Later when my husband and I were to go on our first trip, leaving him and his brother safely in the care of their Grandmother, we reassured him that Grandma was fully instructed on how to “Love Spice Him” and we “filled” the bottle by placing it between us with the cap off and hugging each other and blowing kisses inside. We’ve since filled the jar as a whole family; which always results in hysterical laughter.

Now, that he is 5 we don’t use it that often. But the other night I said, “Where’s your ‘Love Spice’? (it had been used to specially season his imaginary restaurant food and not returned to his bed) Well, I guess you don’t really need it.” He piped up immediately, “Yes, I do!” Tonight, the “Love Spice” was back!

I share this idea for soldiers who are about to be deployed and may want to leave a jar with their children, or for far away grandparents who may want to send some “Love” to their grands, and for other parents like me who just want to add a little love to their own recipe of life.
What are some of your “Family Love” ingredients?

First CVS Deal

2008-02-23T21:24:00.000-05:00

Just last night I completed my first CVS deal. I had to spend a bit on a previous visit to get enough CareBucks; but, now I’m good to go.

I realize I could have made multiple trips and not spent as much real cash initially, but I have to minimize my trips, as I do not have a nearby CVS. I did however, only buy items that our family normally uses and that were on sale (plus I had a few coupons – that means the wind chime I bought was really free ???).

I loved the teller’s face when I dwindled a pre-tax order of $16 to about $2.50 and then walked out with another 17 CareBucks!

I learned about drug-store shopping (how they take multiple coupons and their reward/rebate programs) at
http://momsloveshopping.com/how-to-save-money-at-the-drug-store-show-20/.
Make sure you printout Lisa’s CVS cheat sheet as there is a specific order to get all of your coupons accepted.

I’ll never make as many deals as other posters; because I have brand/item limitations due to my family’s unique health issues and I don’t have access to all of the same stores – but, hey, any little bit helps!

What do you do to save a few cents?

Introducing MzRenaissance

2008-02-22T13:23:00.000-05:00

I chose Renaissance Lady as the title of my blog for several reasons:

* The Term: Renaissance Man implies ability (or in this case interest)
in a broad array of topics
* Lady: I am one and will probably post things that are of interest to ladies
* I like the connotations given in Renaissance Period Art of a
“Healthy Lady’s Body Image”

Please introduce yourself in the comment section so we can get to know each other.