Hey Humble Readers...
I was so proud of myself.
Two great days at the gym. 6.5km on the stationary bike, 3km on the treadmill, and the weight circuit.
I was aching in places I haven't ached for several weeks , but it was a good kind of ache. I was feeling good and thinking I might be on track to a new routine. I even lost a pound since last Friday.
Then I got a fever. Then I got that tell tale back ache. No gym yesterday or today. I was able to get in to see Dr. B today, and low and behold I have a kidney infection. I am not to do any real serious exercise for another three or four days. Grrrr...
The kicker... the infection is most likely due to my time on the stationary bike.
**facepalm**
Showing posts with label health. Show all posts
Showing posts with label health. Show all posts
Thursday, October 10, 2013
Friday, April 19, 2013
The Big D
Hey Humble Readers...
So, yeah, I went to the doctor today. Got some not so great news.
I went in because the yeast beast that I had a couple of months ago has not gone away entirely. It has just kept on flaring up (and making me mega miserable in the process). I was hoping for a rx cream or something.
I wasn't able to see the Dr. B due the short notice, so I saw Dr. L (one of his associates). She was friendly enough, but as soon as she pulled up my file, her demeanour changed. To back up a bit, I had to go in for an rx refill for my blood pressure meds a few weeks ago. Dr. B gave me a req for some bloodwork. He wanted to follow up on my blood sugars since it's been almost a year since Pip was born and my cholesterol because of my weightloss (hoping it had gone down).
Let's just say that things are bad.
My blood sugars are through the roof. And my cholesterol is pretty awful too.
Needless to say what I was hoping was going to be a relatively quick, albeit uncomfortable (always awkward having a stranger look at your lady bits, especially when they aren't at their best) appointment that would result in a rx for cream to stop the itch.
Instead I walked out of there barely holding it together and feeling like a big old failure. I am officially diabetic. I'm a friggin' statistic. I'm one of those faceless bellies that they always show on the news when they talk about type 2 diabetes and the 'obesity epidemic'.
So, in addition to my blood pressure meds, I am now on metformin (and I'm going to be spending a lot of time in the bathroom now... lovely), oral meds and cream for the yeast beast (totally connected to the big D), and in a couple of weeks Dr. B and I will be discussing meds for my cholesterol.
I guess this explains my lethargy and exhaustion. I just feel like a big old idiot and failure.
I know that in a few days, I will be able to have my brain wrapped around all this. I need a game plan.
Right now I'm just wallowing.
So, yeah, I went to the doctor today. Got some not so great news.
I went in because the yeast beast that I had a couple of months ago has not gone away entirely. It has just kept on flaring up (and making me mega miserable in the process). I was hoping for a rx cream or something.
I wasn't able to see the Dr. B due the short notice, so I saw Dr. L (one of his associates). She was friendly enough, but as soon as she pulled up my file, her demeanour changed. To back up a bit, I had to go in for an rx refill for my blood pressure meds a few weeks ago. Dr. B gave me a req for some bloodwork. He wanted to follow up on my blood sugars since it's been almost a year since Pip was born and my cholesterol because of my weightloss (hoping it had gone down).
Let's just say that things are bad.
My blood sugars are through the roof. And my cholesterol is pretty awful too.
Needless to say what I was hoping was going to be a relatively quick, albeit uncomfortable (always awkward having a stranger look at your lady bits, especially when they aren't at their best) appointment that would result in a rx for cream to stop the itch.
Instead I walked out of there barely holding it together and feeling like a big old failure. I am officially diabetic. I'm a friggin' statistic. I'm one of those faceless bellies that they always show on the news when they talk about type 2 diabetes and the 'obesity epidemic'.
So, in addition to my blood pressure meds, I am now on metformin (and I'm going to be spending a lot of time in the bathroom now... lovely), oral meds and cream for the yeast beast (totally connected to the big D), and in a couple of weeks Dr. B and I will be discussing meds for my cholesterol.
I guess this explains my lethargy and exhaustion. I just feel like a big old idiot and failure.
I know that in a few days, I will be able to have my brain wrapped around all this. I need a game plan.
Right now I'm just wallowing.
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Hobbit-ish Potpurri: Digging Out
Hey Humble Readers,
Long time, no talk. I'm recovered from my stomach flu/day of pure hell last week, mostly. My tummy is still rather sensitive, but I'm doing ok and thankfully no one else in the hobbit hole contracted the wretchedness. The only positive to come out of this is that I have busted through my weightloss plateau in a big way. Of course puking and dry heaving for a full day can do that...
*****
The Shire, and indeed the whole mid to northern part of the province got slammed today with a doozy of a snow storm. About an hour north of the Shire there was a major pile up on the highway that resulted in 300 (yes, 300!) injuries. The highway was closed for several hours, and the injured were sent to hospitals in 9 different surrounding communities. So much for spring, right?
*****
We did actually manage to go out on Sunday for the afternoon and evening. I was feeling well enough to be out and about so long as we took it easy and I was able to stop to rest and drink water several times throughout the afternoon. My MIL came up, even though the roads weren't the greatest, and spent the night. My Beloved and I had lunch, toured a show home (more on that later), did a little shopping (shoes for my Beloved, Easter baskets for the wee-lings), went for dinner, and then to a movie (Identity Thief - so funny!). It was so nice to just be together, not thinking about which wee-ling needed to be fed or bathed or distracted or consoled. It was wonderful to be able to browse through stores I could never take the wee-lings to (like Pier 1), and to be silly with my Beloved. I was completely wiped out when we got home and spent all day Monday on the couch, but it was worth it.
*****
So, this show home we toured... It was a town home in a new complex that I would love to live in. And when I say love, I mean luuuuuuurrrrrrrrvvvvvvvve to live there. Seriously, the house would be perfect for us. Four bedrooms (we would have a spare bedroom!!!), three and a half baths, finished basement, with a postage stamp sized yard that is cared for through the homeowners association (whose fees are less than half of what we pay now for HOA fees). There are new schools being built nearby, and it's close to a great little shopping center with groceries, banks, and a Starbucks (I'm pathetic, I know).
The best thing is the builder of this complex has partnered with Mike Holmes as a part of his Holmes Homes program. That means that all the building materials and procedures meet Mike's high standards. The best insulation, the best high efficiency appliances, hot water tank, and furnace. Even lumber and plywood that is mold and moisture resistant. The only negatives about this townhouse complex is that we aren't in a place *right now* to put down a down payment (but we will be in about a year or so), that it's in a brand new area of town so there's not a lot of trees or parks yet (but there will be!), and it's over the dollar figure that we have been toying with (but not so far that it would be impossible for us). They are currently building phase one, so POTENTIALLY we could get in on future developments through this builder. (And if you're interested, I pinned the floor plan on my Dream House board on pinterest.)
Even if this isn't in the cards for us in the future, it's incredibly exciting for me to be thinking about what our next (forever) home is going to be. Less than two years, Humble Readers. Less than two years.
*****
I can't recall off the top of my head if I told you all this, but both my Beloved and I are getting new glasses this year. He's actually already got his and they are snazzy! It's no secret that my rx is pretty ridiculous. I'm blind as a bat without my glasses and have panic attacks if I can't find them. When the girl at the eyewear shop gave me an estimate on how much my lenses are going to cost I almost had a heart attack. I've always bought the cheapest lenses, without any bells and whistles, but we have agreed that I need better quality. Anywho, with both of us getting glasses we knew it was going to get expensive. The good news is, my Beloved just did our taxes and we will be getting back enough to cover about half of our new eyewear! The other half will be able to be put through on my Beloved's health benefits with work. Yay!
Long time, no talk. I'm recovered from my stomach flu/day of pure hell last week, mostly. My tummy is still rather sensitive, but I'm doing ok and thankfully no one else in the hobbit hole contracted the wretchedness. The only positive to come out of this is that I have busted through my weightloss plateau in a big way. Of course puking and dry heaving for a full day can do that...
*****
The Shire, and indeed the whole mid to northern part of the province got slammed today with a doozy of a snow storm. About an hour north of the Shire there was a major pile up on the highway that resulted in 300 (yes, 300!) injuries. The highway was closed for several hours, and the injured were sent to hospitals in 9 different surrounding communities. So much for spring, right?
*****
We did actually manage to go out on Sunday for the afternoon and evening. I was feeling well enough to be out and about so long as we took it easy and I was able to stop to rest and drink water several times throughout the afternoon. My MIL came up, even though the roads weren't the greatest, and spent the night. My Beloved and I had lunch, toured a show home (more on that later), did a little shopping (shoes for my Beloved, Easter baskets for the wee-lings), went for dinner, and then to a movie (Identity Thief - so funny!). It was so nice to just be together, not thinking about which wee-ling needed to be fed or bathed or distracted or consoled. It was wonderful to be able to browse through stores I could never take the wee-lings to (like Pier 1), and to be silly with my Beloved. I was completely wiped out when we got home and spent all day Monday on the couch, but it was worth it.
*****
So, this show home we toured... It was a town home in a new complex that I would love to live in. And when I say love, I mean luuuuuuurrrrrrrrvvvvvvvve to live there. Seriously, the house would be perfect for us. Four bedrooms (we would have a spare bedroom!!!), three and a half baths, finished basement, with a postage stamp sized yard that is cared for through the homeowners association (whose fees are less than half of what we pay now for HOA fees). There are new schools being built nearby, and it's close to a great little shopping center with groceries, banks, and a Starbucks (I'm pathetic, I know).
 |
| Canada's favourite handyman - Mike Holmes One of my celebrity crushes. :) |
Even if this isn't in the cards for us in the future, it's incredibly exciting for me to be thinking about what our next (forever) home is going to be. Less than two years, Humble Readers. Less than two years.
*****
I can't recall off the top of my head if I told you all this, but both my Beloved and I are getting new glasses this year. He's actually already got his and they are snazzy! It's no secret that my rx is pretty ridiculous. I'm blind as a bat without my glasses and have panic attacks if I can't find them. When the girl at the eyewear shop gave me an estimate on how much my lenses are going to cost I almost had a heart attack. I've always bought the cheapest lenses, without any bells and whistles, but we have agreed that I need better quality. Anywho, with both of us getting glasses we knew it was going to get expensive. The good news is, my Beloved just did our taxes and we will be getting back enough to cover about half of our new eyewear! The other half will be able to be put through on my Beloved's health benefits with work. Yay!
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Hobbit-ish Potpurri: Questions, Questions, Questions
Hey Humble Readers...
How are you all today? Is the sun shining where you are? It's bright and sunny here in the Shire today, and the good weather is supposed to stick around for a few days. Hooray!
*****
So, you remember the post I wrote recently about my final wishes? Well, my lovely friend Good Timing sent me a link to this...
It's a biodegradable urn that you can use to plant a tree! How cool is that??? Your remains help a tree grow. I absolutely love it. (I'm weird, I know.) The ultimate in recycling. Would you consider using something like this?
*****
I've mentioned here before that I am a fan and regular follower of the website "My OB Said What?" For those of you who aren't familiar, it's a site dedicated to the ridiculous, funny, shocking, offensive, nonsensical things that are said by medical personnel to female patients, particularly surrounding trying to conceive, pregnancy, labour & delivery, and breastfeeding. This site has encouraged and emboldened me to speak up for myself, to ask questions, and to seek out clarity when dealing with the medical establishment. I will admit that sometimes the comments on MOSW can get a little polarized, particularly around hot-button issues like vaccinations and breastfeeding, but it is always eye opening and entertaining.
They are currently seeking out new submissions for their site. If you have a story about an insane or inane comment that a medical professional has made to you, please consider sharing with them. They also accept submissions for Thoughtful Thursdays, one day each week dedicated to the great, wonderful, encouraging and understanding comments that doctors, nurses, and midwives give to their patients.
Here's one of my submissions that they published just the other day.
*****
I'm working out my spring cleaning schedule that officially kicks in tomorrow. My goal is to have it all done by Easter, tackling one or two things a day. Tomorrow is the outsides and tops of my kitchen cabinets. If you had one tip or trick for spring cleaning to share, what would it be?
*****
Our whole family is going for optometrist appointments this weekend. My Beloved hasn't been since quite a while before I met him. The glasses he wears now were originally prescribed to wear for driving and reading, but he's worn them pretty much all the time since we were married. It's been a few years for me, seeing as most eye doctors won't treat you while you're pregnant (due to the changes in ligaments and the temporary effects of things like pregnancy induced hypertension and gestational diabetes). The wee-lings are also getting their first eye exams. Have any of you ever taken an infant or a toddler for an eye exam? What should I expect?
*****
And since I've asked you all a ton of questions, what questions do you have for me? Ask away, and I will answer in an upcoming post!
How are you all today? Is the sun shining where you are? It's bright and sunny here in the Shire today, and the good weather is supposed to stick around for a few days. Hooray!
*****
So, you remember the post I wrote recently about my final wishes? Well, my lovely friend Good Timing sent me a link to this...
It's a biodegradable urn that you can use to plant a tree! How cool is that??? Your remains help a tree grow. I absolutely love it. (I'm weird, I know.) The ultimate in recycling. Would you consider using something like this?
*****
I've mentioned here before that I am a fan and regular follower of the website "My OB Said What?" For those of you who aren't familiar, it's a site dedicated to the ridiculous, funny, shocking, offensive, nonsensical things that are said by medical personnel to female patients, particularly surrounding trying to conceive, pregnancy, labour & delivery, and breastfeeding. This site has encouraged and emboldened me to speak up for myself, to ask questions, and to seek out clarity when dealing with the medical establishment. I will admit that sometimes the comments on MOSW can get a little polarized, particularly around hot-button issues like vaccinations and breastfeeding, but it is always eye opening and entertaining.
They are currently seeking out new submissions for their site. If you have a story about an insane or inane comment that a medical professional has made to you, please consider sharing with them. They also accept submissions for Thoughtful Thursdays, one day each week dedicated to the great, wonderful, encouraging and understanding comments that doctors, nurses, and midwives give to their patients.
Here's one of my submissions that they published just the other day.
*****
I'm working out my spring cleaning schedule that officially kicks in tomorrow. My goal is to have it all done by Easter, tackling one or two things a day. Tomorrow is the outsides and tops of my kitchen cabinets. If you had one tip or trick for spring cleaning to share, what would it be?
*****
Our whole family is going for optometrist appointments this weekend. My Beloved hasn't been since quite a while before I met him. The glasses he wears now were originally prescribed to wear for driving and reading, but he's worn them pretty much all the time since we were married. It's been a few years for me, seeing as most eye doctors won't treat you while you're pregnant (due to the changes in ligaments and the temporary effects of things like pregnancy induced hypertension and gestational diabetes). The wee-lings are also getting their first eye exams. Have any of you ever taken an infant or a toddler for an eye exam? What should I expect?
*****
And since I've asked you all a ton of questions, what questions do you have for me? Ask away, and I will answer in an upcoming post!
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Hobbit-ish Potpurri: Winter Friggin' Wonderland
Hey Humble Readers...
It is still cold in the Shire, but at least not as cold as what it has been the last couple of days. It snowed for two days straight, and we are expecting more snow tonight. I understand that I live on the frozen flatland, and that snow, cold, and wind are synonymous with a Canadian prairie winter, but this feels like it has been dragging on and on. January and February are always the hardest months.
*****
I have a quandary before me. I love Downton Abbey (you hadn't figured that out yet, had you?). My Beloved got me all three seasons on dvd for Christmas, and season three arrived yesterday. I love having Sunday nights as my Downton night, but I'm finding it hard not to toss that dvd into the player right now and binge on the rest of the season. I love the anticipation as I wait for each new episode, but part of me is screaming for that instant gratification. What would you do?
BTW, last Sunday's episode? Yup, I was a wreck. Totally gutted. And my Beloved just sat there laughing at me.
*****
Humble Readers, I hesitate to bring this up, but it is the pressing issue on my mind and body this week. I will warn you that it's very tmi, but really, after all the IF stuff, I'm not shy about talking about my lady parts. At least not here. You have been warned.
I have a yeast infection. My first. Ever. And let me just tell you, this shit sucks! I am uncomfortable. I am grumpy. And who the hell said that any part of the female anatomy, let alone the lady bits, are allowed to burn and itch like that? I didn't sign up for this. I. DID. NOT. SIGN. UP. FOR. THIS!!! I caught myself daydreaming about steel wool. It's time to go to the pharmacy.
*****
In other body news... I have busted through my 19.6lb plateau! Yay! I am now officially 22lb down. I'm going shopping again this weekend (I can because I have a coupon to one of my favourite clothing stores - spend $80 save 50%) because now the only pants that fit me are the two pairs of jeans I bought at the end of December. My next major target is to be what I weighed when my Beloved and I got married. That means another 14 pounds. And if I can do it by our anniversary in April, that would be an added bonus... a little more than 10 weeks. I think that's doable.
*****
Pippin is having a rough day exploring his surroundings. He's trying hard to really crawl (rather than army crawl), but he keeps on ending up under the coffee table and bonking his little noggin. I'm hoping to get some video of him trying to crawl, because really it is just too funny. More often than not, he ends up doing a face plant into the carpet.
It is still cold in the Shire, but at least not as cold as what it has been the last couple of days. It snowed for two days straight, and we are expecting more snow tonight. I understand that I live on the frozen flatland, and that snow, cold, and wind are synonymous with a Canadian prairie winter, but this feels like it has been dragging on and on. January and February are always the hardest months.
*****
I have a quandary before me. I love Downton Abbey (you hadn't figured that out yet, had you?). My Beloved got me all three seasons on dvd for Christmas, and season three arrived yesterday. I love having Sunday nights as my Downton night, but I'm finding it hard not to toss that dvd into the player right now and binge on the rest of the season. I love the anticipation as I wait for each new episode, but part of me is screaming for that instant gratification. What would you do?
BTW, last Sunday's episode? Yup, I was a wreck. Totally gutted. And my Beloved just sat there laughing at me.
*****
Humble Readers, I hesitate to bring this up, but it is the pressing issue on my mind and body this week. I will warn you that it's very tmi, but really, after all the IF stuff, I'm not shy about talking about my lady parts. At least not here. You have been warned.
I have a yeast infection. My first. Ever. And let me just tell you, this shit sucks! I am uncomfortable. I am grumpy. And who the hell said that any part of the female anatomy, let alone the lady bits, are allowed to burn and itch like that? I didn't sign up for this. I. DID. NOT. SIGN. UP. FOR. THIS!!! I caught myself daydreaming about steel wool. It's time to go to the pharmacy.
*****
In other body news... I have busted through my 19.6lb plateau! Yay! I am now officially 22lb down. I'm going shopping again this weekend (I can because I have a coupon to one of my favourite clothing stores - spend $80 save 50%) because now the only pants that fit me are the two pairs of jeans I bought at the end of December. My next major target is to be what I weighed when my Beloved and I got married. That means another 14 pounds. And if I can do it by our anniversary in April, that would be an added bonus... a little more than 10 weeks. I think that's doable.
*****
Pippin is having a rough day exploring his surroundings. He's trying hard to really crawl (rather than army crawl), but he keeps on ending up under the coffee table and bonking his little noggin. I'm hoping to get some video of him trying to crawl, because really it is just too funny. More often than not, he ends up doing a face plant into the carpet.
Thursday, November 22, 2012
Hobbit-ish Potpurri: Mid-November Blahs
Howdy Humble Readers!
I'm sorry for my absence, especially right at the beginning of ICLW. I can blame part of it on a two-day migraine, and part of it on sheer lethargy after the fact. I'm beginning to wonder how much of my headaches are triggered by the weather (there have been a lot of ups and downs in the temperature lately). Fun times!
*****
I hope that all my friends south of the 49th parallel (and those in Alaska too) have had a great Thanksgiving. I was seriously craving turkey today... we had pork schnitzel instead. Ginny and I watched the Macy's parade on tv (which translates to her playing and climbing all over me and trying to comb my hair until a balloon or the Sesame Street float showed up). It was fun in a demented kind of way.
*****
Plans for Ginny's birthday party are coming together. Sadly, it's going to be a very small group at her party. Just us, Gramma, an uncle, and maybe one of her little friends from church. I know that she won't notice or miss anything, but is it okay for me to be a little bummed that no one else is coming? I wish she had a few cousins her age.
*****
I had a dream last night that freaked me out. I dreamed that I was pregnant. As in, I just found out, watched the line change colour. And I was PANICKING!!! Who'da thunk that a dream about being pregnant would ever be almost a nightmare? And in the dream, I was particularly freaked out because I had just sold a bunch of baby stuff on Kijiji (which reminded me that I had to post a bunch of stuff on Kijiji today).
*****
Ginny is fully recovered from the roseola. No more spots, and she's eating almost normally again. I think she may be starting to develop some pickiness which makes me sad. Hopefully, it's a short lived phase.
*****
Still haven't taken our Christmas card photo, as I've been waiting for everyone to be healthy and happy enough to take it. It also doesn't help that I want to take the pic outside, but it's dark when my Beloved leaves for work and when he comes home. Hopefully we'll be able to get it done on the weekend.
*****
Speaking of my Beloved... still haven't heard anything about the interview, but they said they'd call by the end of the week. Keep those fingers crossed for us please.
I'm sorry for my absence, especially right at the beginning of ICLW. I can blame part of it on a two-day migraine, and part of it on sheer lethargy after the fact. I'm beginning to wonder how much of my headaches are triggered by the weather (there have been a lot of ups and downs in the temperature lately). Fun times!
*****
I hope that all my friends south of the 49th parallel (and those in Alaska too) have had a great Thanksgiving. I was seriously craving turkey today... we had pork schnitzel instead. Ginny and I watched the Macy's parade on tv (which translates to her playing and climbing all over me and trying to comb my hair until a balloon or the Sesame Street float showed up). It was fun in a demented kind of way.
*****
Plans for Ginny's birthday party are coming together. Sadly, it's going to be a very small group at her party. Just us, Gramma, an uncle, and maybe one of her little friends from church. I know that she won't notice or miss anything, but is it okay for me to be a little bummed that no one else is coming? I wish she had a few cousins her age.
*****
I had a dream last night that freaked me out. I dreamed that I was pregnant. As in, I just found out, watched the line change colour. And I was PANICKING!!! Who'da thunk that a dream about being pregnant would ever be almost a nightmare? And in the dream, I was particularly freaked out because I had just sold a bunch of baby stuff on Kijiji (which reminded me that I had to post a bunch of stuff on Kijiji today).
*****
Ginny is fully recovered from the roseola. No more spots, and she's eating almost normally again. I think she may be starting to develop some pickiness which makes me sad. Hopefully, it's a short lived phase.
*****
Still haven't taken our Christmas card photo, as I've been waiting for everyone to be healthy and happy enough to take it. It also doesn't help that I want to take the pic outside, but it's dark when my Beloved leaves for work and when he comes home. Hopefully we'll be able to get it done on the weekend.
*****
Speaking of my Beloved... still haven't heard anything about the interview, but they said they'd call by the end of the week. Keep those fingers crossed for us please.
Saturday, November 17, 2012
Update on Ginny (The episode in which the hobbit mummy sounds a bit nutso, but really isn't)
Hey Humble Readers...
Thanks so much for your input on what's up with our wee sweet girl. I appreciate it all so much.
We discovered a new wrinkle this morning, which I think has led me to a possible answer to the questions.
She woke up this morning with a rash over her neck and shoulders. It's now spread down her trunk. Little red spots. Flat, not raised. Not itchy, and non-responsive to benadryl, which to me indicated to me that it's not an allergic reaction (and with Ginny's history of allergic skin reactions, that's saying something).
So I did some looking around online (reputable sites only) and I think I've figured it out.
Have any of you ever encountered roseola?
I found it in Dr. Sears' listing of the most common rashes children get. Caused by a virus, starts with a fever that lasts for a few days, followed by a rash when the fever is gone (timeline is specific to this particular virus). Can be accompanied by respiratory and/or tummy issues. The rash can last a few days to a couple of weeks, but once the fever is gone, there's no real worries.
Ginny has been having some odd-for-her BMs... she's nothing if not regular, but right now her timing is way off. Plus, they have just been 'different'... colour, etc. But no change in frequency.
I'm ruling out an ear infection for now, because we were just at the doc for well-baby appointments for both wee-lings on Thursday (before her lack of eating raised a red flag and long before the rash showed up). I mentioned the come-and-go fever and her occasional lethargy, so he did a thorough check of her ears, nose, and throat. Other than the symptoms of a bit of a cold, all was good. I will keep watching for signs, but I don't think that's the case.
And if she's not showing any improvement by Monday, then it's off the doc we go.
Her appetite has improved slightly. She ate most of her breakfast (applesauce and yoghurt, but no cereal), and about half her grilled cheese sandwich at lunch. She didn't want a snack this morning, but she's still drinking well. We're just planning on continuing to make foods available to her (although I did say no to a request for candy this morning) and not making a fuss.
Thank you again everyone. I really appreciate your input!
(Be back later this evening with the first in my Developing Traditions series)
Thanks so much for your input on what's up with our wee sweet girl. I appreciate it all so much.
We discovered a new wrinkle this morning, which I think has led me to a possible answer to the questions.
She woke up this morning with a rash over her neck and shoulders. It's now spread down her trunk. Little red spots. Flat, not raised. Not itchy, and non-responsive to benadryl, which to me indicated to me that it's not an allergic reaction (and with Ginny's history of allergic skin reactions, that's saying something).
So I did some looking around online (reputable sites only) and I think I've figured it out.
Have any of you ever encountered roseola?
I found it in Dr. Sears' listing of the most common rashes children get. Caused by a virus, starts with a fever that lasts for a few days, followed by a rash when the fever is gone (timeline is specific to this particular virus). Can be accompanied by respiratory and/or tummy issues. The rash can last a few days to a couple of weeks, but once the fever is gone, there's no real worries.
Ginny has been having some odd-for-her BMs... she's nothing if not regular, but right now her timing is way off. Plus, they have just been 'different'... colour, etc. But no change in frequency.
I'm ruling out an ear infection for now, because we were just at the doc for well-baby appointments for both wee-lings on Thursday (before her lack of eating raised a red flag and long before the rash showed up). I mentioned the come-and-go fever and her occasional lethargy, so he did a thorough check of her ears, nose, and throat. Other than the symptoms of a bit of a cold, all was good. I will keep watching for signs, but I don't think that's the case.
And if she's not showing any improvement by Monday, then it's off the doc we go.
Her appetite has improved slightly. She ate most of her breakfast (applesauce and yoghurt, but no cereal), and about half her grilled cheese sandwich at lunch. She didn't want a snack this morning, but she's still drinking well. We're just planning on continuing to make foods available to her (although I did say no to a request for candy this morning) and not making a fuss.
Thank you again everyone. I really appreciate your input!
(Be back later this evening with the first in my Developing Traditions series)
Friday, November 16, 2012
Foodie Fridays: Comfort Food (& A Quandary)
Hey Humble Readers...
Today's recipe is brought to you in honour of my Beloved, and his need for some TLC today. My brave Beloved went for his vasectomy today, and was feeling a tad... well... less than his best. The procedure went well, and with the prescribed pain killers and an ice pack, he'll be back to his happy self in a few days.
So, he was in need of some comfort food.
This recipe is fairly easy, and makes use of one of the best values in the grocery store... the rotisserie chicken. Think about it... a rotisserie chicken costs around $8 (here on the frozen flatland) and a tray of three boneless skinless chicken breasts costs around $10. I use the dark meat pieces for this recipe and then save the breast pieces for chicken salad or chicken fried rice later in the week.
Creamy Chicken & Rice Soup with Sauteed Mushrooms
10-12 cremini or button mushrooms, quartered
1 med onion, diced
3 tbsp butter, divided
1 tbsp olive oil
1/3 sherry or dry white wine (optional)
2 tbsp flour
1 box chicken stock
1 1/2 - 2 cups milk
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsp dried thyme
2 tsp dried chives
1 cup long grain white rice
2 cups shredded cooked chicken
1 cup frozen peas
In a large heavy pot, melt 2 tbsp butter. Add olive oil. Add quartered mushrooms, and saute until lightly caramelized. Using a slotted spoon, remove mushrooms from pot and set aside.
Melt remaining butter in pot and add the diced onion. Saute until just softened. Deglaze the pan with sherry or wine (if desired), making sure to scrape up the brown bits. Sprinkle flour over onions, and stir into onions and butter until it resembles wet sand. Slowly begin to add chicken stock, while stirring. Add milk, starting with 1 1/2 cups (add more if soup gets too thick later) and bring to a slow boil (should thicken slightly). Reduce heat to slow simmer. Add in garlic, thyme, chives, rice, and chicken. Stir frequently to ensure that rice doesn't stick to the bottom of the pot. Allow to simmer gently until rice is cooked. Add in frozen peas.
I served this with homemade buns. Yummy!
*****
Ok... now onto the quandary. And I'm really looking for input.
Ginny, has stopped eating. Mostly. My little girl, who loves food, and has always eaten really well, is refusing to eat.
You may recall that a couple of days ago she was congested and had a fever. It has come and gone a couple of times over the last few days, but it has been easily controlled with tyl.en.ol and wearing lighter clothes.
Ginny was a little bit pukey on Wednesday (less than 24 hours after the onset of the fever) and threw up a bit of her breakfast. She ate well later that day... both lunch and dinner. Then, on Thursday she started refusing to eat. She ate a couple of spoonfulls of yoghurt at breakfast and that was it. She refused to eat both lunch and dinner. She also refused a snack of mandarin orange segments (which she usually looooooves). Today, she ate applesauce for breakfast, but no cereal or yoghurt. Lunch was only 4 little cubes of cheese and a few small pieces of ham. She completely refused dinner (and she normally devours soup & buns).
She's still drinking milk and water, so I'm not concerned about her getting dehydrated.
There are several things that I'm thinking may be possible contributing factors.
My Beloved and I are trying very hard not to make a big deal about it at the table, because we don't want this to trigger some sort of larger battle with food. Our rule is, she can choose not to eat, but she will sit at the table with her bib on until everyone is done eating. And she isn't allowed to play with her food. If she's not going to eat it we will move her bowl/plate to the other side of the table where it is available should she change her mind.
Do you think we are handling this right? When should I get concerned? I am, of course, going to keep offering her all her usual snacks and meals, and I've always bought into the accepted wisdom that if a child is hungry they will eat (and most children can miss a few meals without being negatively impacted).
But the Mummy in me is struggling.
Today's recipe is brought to you in honour of my Beloved, and his need for some TLC today. My brave Beloved went for his vasectomy today, and was feeling a tad... well... less than his best. The procedure went well, and with the prescribed pain killers and an ice pack, he'll be back to his happy self in a few days.
So, he was in need of some comfort food.
This recipe is fairly easy, and makes use of one of the best values in the grocery store... the rotisserie chicken. Think about it... a rotisserie chicken costs around $8 (here on the frozen flatland) and a tray of three boneless skinless chicken breasts costs around $10. I use the dark meat pieces for this recipe and then save the breast pieces for chicken salad or chicken fried rice later in the week.
Creamy Chicken & Rice Soup with Sauteed Mushrooms
10-12 cremini or button mushrooms, quartered
1 med onion, diced
3 tbsp butter, divided
1 tbsp olive oil
1/3 sherry or dry white wine (optional)
2 tbsp flour
1 box chicken stock
1 1/2 - 2 cups milk
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsp dried thyme
2 tsp dried chives
1 cup long grain white rice
2 cups shredded cooked chicken
1 cup frozen peas
In a large heavy pot, melt 2 tbsp butter. Add olive oil. Add quartered mushrooms, and saute until lightly caramelized. Using a slotted spoon, remove mushrooms from pot and set aside.
 |
| Please disregard the stained pot. I made coffee-braised roast beef one too many times in that pot, and it's stained the enamel |
I served this with homemade buns. Yummy!
*****
Ok... now onto the quandary. And I'm really looking for input.
Ginny, has stopped eating. Mostly. My little girl, who loves food, and has always eaten really well, is refusing to eat.
You may recall that a couple of days ago she was congested and had a fever. It has come and gone a couple of times over the last few days, but it has been easily controlled with tyl.en.ol and wearing lighter clothes.
Ginny was a little bit pukey on Wednesday (less than 24 hours after the onset of the fever) and threw up a bit of her breakfast. She ate well later that day... both lunch and dinner. Then, on Thursday she started refusing to eat. She ate a couple of spoonfulls of yoghurt at breakfast and that was it. She refused to eat both lunch and dinner. She also refused a snack of mandarin orange segments (which she usually looooooves). Today, she ate applesauce for breakfast, but no cereal or yoghurt. Lunch was only 4 little cubes of cheese and a few small pieces of ham. She completely refused dinner (and she normally devours soup & buns).
She's still drinking milk and water, so I'm not concerned about her getting dehydrated.
There are several things that I'm thinking may be possible contributing factors.
- She's just not feeling well. She's been kind of up and down ever since that fever set in. She'll be okay for a while, and then be very lethargic and just want cuddles.
- She may be teething. She's not happy with having her teeth brushed and she actually bit me today when I tried to check her molars (they still haven't cut through).
- We started feeding Pip solid food this week. Maybe she's jealous of the attention he's getting about eating?
- She's just trying to exert her independence? Some sort of excercise in becoming self-aware?
My Beloved and I are trying very hard not to make a big deal about it at the table, because we don't want this to trigger some sort of larger battle with food. Our rule is, she can choose not to eat, but she will sit at the table with her bib on until everyone is done eating. And she isn't allowed to play with her food. If she's not going to eat it we will move her bowl/plate to the other side of the table where it is available should she change her mind.
Do you think we are handling this right? When should I get concerned? I am, of course, going to keep offering her all her usual snacks and meals, and I've always bought into the accepted wisdom that if a child is hungry they will eat (and most children can miss a few meals without being negatively impacted).
But the Mummy in me is struggling.
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Hobbit-ish Potpurri: Randomness Abounds
Howdy Humble Readers...
I hope that you're having a great day so far. We had a fun morning of playing and goofing around, and now, I'm happily watching an old episode of Gilmore Girls and listening to my wee little mister snore his heart out.
*****
From the stuff I wasn't warned about file: I'm in an odd place in terms of my post-pregnancy body. All my joints ache, particularly my hands, hips, knees, and ankles. This happened after Ginny, too, and I found it seems to be fairly common, but why does no one talk about it? It makes sense that we're warned that our tendons and ligaments stretch out and get all loosey-goosey during pregnancy, but why does no one talk about when those tendons and ligaments start going back to normal... the pain is making it difficult to sleep
And from the same file: Nerves and muscles in my abdomen must be on a new level of healing because there have been random twitches and small spasms that almost make it feel like there's a halfling still in there kicking. Bizarre!
*****
Exciting news for our hobbit-hole! A couple of weeks ago the condo board agreed that we need to replace the patio doors on four of the six units in our building, including ours! Yay! The window guy was here measuring last week, and hopefully we'll have new sliding glass doors before the snow flies! Ones with a screen door that actually slides open. I'm not picky tho... ;)
*****
I had a nightmare last night that I was being stalked by this crazy woman. She took over my blog and was posting all kinds of insane stuff saying she was me, and advertising porn sites from my online hobbit-hole. Writing it out here, it doesn't sound scary, only nuts, but trust me I was freaked out. I woke up just after 5 this morning shaking and with my heart racing. It took about an hour and a half to shake the creepy feeling, even with reading and watching a bit of a documentary about farmers markets on PBS.
*****
For all the work I did on the weekend to get the nursery ready to move Pippin in there, I haven't been able to do so yet. I keep telling myself that I'm concerned that he'll start waking in the night again and disturb Ginny. But really, I know I'm just lame.
*****
Sold another of the real baby items we had... the tummy-time mat. Pip is still doing tummy time of course, but we're actually working more on sitting up. With the bum.bo chair and the bouncer-exerciser thing, and the playpen, and Ginny's reading chair all in the living room, I was just getting a bit claustrophobic. I had to get rid of something. And we have a gazillion receiving blankets to use for tummy time, and they fold up where the tummy-time mat didn't (at least not easily). So why do I feel like crap for having sold it already?
I hope that you're having a great day so far. We had a fun morning of playing and goofing around, and now, I'm happily watching an old episode of Gilmore Girls and listening to my wee little mister snore his heart out.
*****
From the stuff I wasn't warned about file: I'm in an odd place in terms of my post-pregnancy body. All my joints ache, particularly my hands, hips, knees, and ankles. This happened after Ginny, too, and I found it seems to be fairly common, but why does no one talk about it? It makes sense that we're warned that our tendons and ligaments stretch out and get all loosey-goosey during pregnancy, but why does no one talk about when those tendons and ligaments start going back to normal... the pain is making it difficult to sleep
And from the same file: Nerves and muscles in my abdomen must be on a new level of healing because there have been random twitches and small spasms that almost make it feel like there's a halfling still in there kicking. Bizarre!
*****
Exciting news for our hobbit-hole! A couple of weeks ago the condo board agreed that we need to replace the patio doors on four of the six units in our building, including ours! Yay! The window guy was here measuring last week, and hopefully we'll have new sliding glass doors before the snow flies! Ones with a screen door that actually slides open. I'm not picky tho... ;)
*****
I had a nightmare last night that I was being stalked by this crazy woman. She took over my blog and was posting all kinds of insane stuff saying she was me, and advertising porn sites from my online hobbit-hole. Writing it out here, it doesn't sound scary, only nuts, but trust me I was freaked out. I woke up just after 5 this morning shaking and with my heart racing. It took about an hour and a half to shake the creepy feeling, even with reading and watching a bit of a documentary about farmers markets on PBS.
*****
For all the work I did on the weekend to get the nursery ready to move Pippin in there, I haven't been able to do so yet. I keep telling myself that I'm concerned that he'll start waking in the night again and disturb Ginny. But really, I know I'm just lame.
*****
Sold another of the real baby items we had... the tummy-time mat. Pip is still doing tummy time of course, but we're actually working more on sitting up. With the bum.bo chair and the bouncer-exerciser thing, and the playpen, and Ginny's reading chair all in the living room, I was just getting a bit claustrophobic. I had to get rid of something. And we have a gazillion receiving blankets to use for tummy time, and they fold up where the tummy-time mat didn't (at least not easily). So why do I feel like crap for having sold it already?
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
The Future of the Gamgee Clan (PAIL Monthly Theme Post)
Hey Humble Readers...
When I first saw the theme for this month for the PAIL bloggers... "so when are you going to have another baby", I honestly thought I didn't have much to say on the subject.
My Beloved and I have always, from before we were even engaged, agreed that two children was going to be it for us. Of course, if we had been blessed with twins the second time around, after the initial freak out was over, we would have been thrilled. But as far as it was within our control, we wanted two.
And now we have our two precious wee-lings.
And I had a tubal ligation.
And my Beloved is going to get 'snipped' later this summer.
And then I realized that I do have something to say on the topic.
Some of our friends and family think it overkill for both my Beloved and I to take steps toward permanent contraception. And some in the ALI/PAIL/IF/RPL worlds might wonder why we are taking such drastic measures when we tried so hard for so long to get our take-home babies.
And that's exactly the point.
We tried hard. We went through our own personal hell to get to this point. After two losses, and two not-so-easy pregnancies, we are ready to be done with the family building portion of our lives. (This doesn't mean that I feel I have outgrown the ALI/PAIL community. But that's a different post, for a different day.)
Add in the fact that my Beloved is soon to be 41 and I'm soon to be 38. We aren't what you would call spring chickens. With the added challenge of my high blood pressure, the surety of gestational diabetes being even worse a third time around, the increased anxiety that would be sure to haunt me again, and the horrible c-section experience I had with Pip... let's just say that I'm not ready to walk down that road again.
I confess there are selfish reasons too. I enjoy not feeling the need to restrict myself from things like taking ibuprophen when my back hurts, a glass of wine after dinner, or colouring my hair. I like the idea of not having to take my temperature every day, of not having to be a toilet paper inspector, of not having that constant debate to pee on a stick or not, and not always living in the calendar 40 weeks from now. I won't miss worrying about the length of my luteal phase, and analyzing every little twinge in my body. And I refuse to be taking hormonal birth control for the next twenty years.
Will I ever be able to note my period's arrival without a twinge of sadness? I hope so. I hope that someday it will be just the normal inconvenience it is for millions of women. I hope that cramps become something to bitch about and not something to worry about.
There's also a family history that we had to take into account. There were 'surprises' in both our families many years ago. The fact that my Beloved even exists is due to the fact that his father's vasectomy reversed itself. And my bio-mom had two miscarraiges after her tubes were supposedly tied. Even though both situations were likely the result of shoddy medical procedures, I don't think I could face another miscarraige and while an oops-baby would be just as loved and cherished, I know that it wouldn't be good for my physical or mental health to be pregnant again.
That's why we chose to go with two such permanent solutions to birth control.
So, when some of the little old ladies at church ask when we're going to have our next one, or when my Grandpa jokes about 'number three', I tell them that we've stopped at two. And there is almost ALWAYS that little grin that says 'ahh, but accidents happen'. Yes, accidents do happen. But my Beloved and I have done everything we can to ensure that it won't happen to us.
My biological clock has officially been stopped.
And I'm totally okay with that.
When I first saw the theme for this month for the PAIL bloggers... "so when are you going to have another baby", I honestly thought I didn't have much to say on the subject.
My Beloved and I have always, from before we were even engaged, agreed that two children was going to be it for us. Of course, if we had been blessed with twins the second time around, after the initial freak out was over, we would have been thrilled. But as far as it was within our control, we wanted two.
And now we have our two precious wee-lings.
And I had a tubal ligation.
And my Beloved is going to get 'snipped' later this summer.
And then I realized that I do have something to say on the topic.
Some of our friends and family think it overkill for both my Beloved and I to take steps toward permanent contraception. And some in the ALI/PAIL/IF/RPL worlds might wonder why we are taking such drastic measures when we tried so hard for so long to get our take-home babies.
And that's exactly the point.
We tried hard. We went through our own personal hell to get to this point. After two losses, and two not-so-easy pregnancies, we are ready to be done with the family building portion of our lives. (This doesn't mean that I feel I have outgrown the ALI/PAIL community. But that's a different post, for a different day.)
Add in the fact that my Beloved is soon to be 41 and I'm soon to be 38. We aren't what you would call spring chickens. With the added challenge of my high blood pressure, the surety of gestational diabetes being even worse a third time around, the increased anxiety that would be sure to haunt me again, and the horrible c-section experience I had with Pip... let's just say that I'm not ready to walk down that road again.
I confess there are selfish reasons too. I enjoy not feeling the need to restrict myself from things like taking ibuprophen when my back hurts, a glass of wine after dinner, or colouring my hair. I like the idea of not having to take my temperature every day, of not having to be a toilet paper inspector, of not having that constant debate to pee on a stick or not, and not always living in the calendar 40 weeks from now. I won't miss worrying about the length of my luteal phase, and analyzing every little twinge in my body. And I refuse to be taking hormonal birth control for the next twenty years.
Will I ever be able to note my period's arrival without a twinge of sadness? I hope so. I hope that someday it will be just the normal inconvenience it is for millions of women. I hope that cramps become something to bitch about and not something to worry about.
There's also a family history that we had to take into account. There were 'surprises' in both our families many years ago. The fact that my Beloved even exists is due to the fact that his father's vasectomy reversed itself. And my bio-mom had two miscarraiges after her tubes were supposedly tied. Even though both situations were likely the result of shoddy medical procedures, I don't think I could face another miscarraige and while an oops-baby would be just as loved and cherished, I know that it wouldn't be good for my physical or mental health to be pregnant again.
That's why we chose to go with two such permanent solutions to birth control.
So, when some of the little old ladies at church ask when we're going to have our next one, or when my Grandpa jokes about 'number three', I tell them that we've stopped at two. And there is almost ALWAYS that little grin that says 'ahh, but accidents happen'. Yes, accidents do happen. But my Beloved and I have done everything we can to ensure that it won't happen to us.
My biological clock has officially been stopped.
And I'm totally okay with that.
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Of Allergies & Antihistamines
Hey Humble Readers...
Remember how we all went to the wildlife park last weekend? And how my Beloved, Ginny, and I got eaten alive by mosquitoes?
Of course she got bit more than 25 times. And the bites weren't going away for her. They were getting worse instead of better. The welts currently range in size from a dime to a toonie (about an inch). On her wee little arms, legs, and back. Please forgive the poor quality of the photos. They were taken on my cell.
I spent some time online yesterday looking for examples of bug bites, thinking that maybe she got bit by something other than mosquitoes (ticks were foremost in my thoughts... along with the scary diseases that they carry). Yesterday, some of them looked almost like bed-bug bites, which made absolutely no sense, and by this morning several of them looked like tick bites (the bulls-eye shape). But what was throwing me was that Ginny was acting completely normal, not ill by any means, and this was now more than a week after she had been bitten. She didn't even seem to be scratching at the bites all that much.
So, this afternoon we went to a walk-in clinic. It turns out my wee girl is seriously allergic to mosquito bites, and potentially other bug bites. She's now on oral bena.dryl and topical bena.dryl four times a day, in hopes of bringing the welts under control. The doc mentioned that her eczema may predispose her to reactions like this.
Can I tell you, I feel like a big time Mummy-fail. This is the first time I've had to seek out medical attention for her for anything other than a check up or a routine vaccination. I know it's ridiculous, but I feel like I should have been able to protect her from this.
Remember how we all went to the wildlife park last weekend? And how my Beloved, Ginny, and I got eaten alive by mosquitoes?
Of course she got bit more than 25 times. And the bites weren't going away for her. They were getting worse instead of better. The welts currently range in size from a dime to a toonie (about an inch). On her wee little arms, legs, and back. Please forgive the poor quality of the photos. They were taken on my cell.
I spent some time online yesterday looking for examples of bug bites, thinking that maybe she got bit by something other than mosquitoes (ticks were foremost in my thoughts... along with the scary diseases that they carry). Yesterday, some of them looked almost like bed-bug bites, which made absolutely no sense, and by this morning several of them looked like tick bites (the bulls-eye shape). But what was throwing me was that Ginny was acting completely normal, not ill by any means, and this was now more than a week after she had been bitten. She didn't even seem to be scratching at the bites all that much.
So, this afternoon we went to a walk-in clinic. It turns out my wee girl is seriously allergic to mosquito bites, and potentially other bug bites. She's now on oral bena.dryl and topical bena.dryl four times a day, in hopes of bringing the welts under control. The doc mentioned that her eczema may predispose her to reactions like this.
Can I tell you, I feel like a big time Mummy-fail. This is the first time I've had to seek out medical attention for her for anything other than a check up or a routine vaccination. I know it's ridiculous, but I feel like I should have been able to protect her from this.
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Knowledge Is Power
OMG Humble Readers!
Who ever would have thought that time spent on Pinterest would lead to a personal epiphany? I mean this is life changing for me.
All my life I have thought I was nuts, wackadoodle, and maybe even a little bit crazy. No joke. There have been moments when I have felt like I was just going to snap and go completely insane.
All because of sounds. Certain sounds.
Sounds like that of people eating, smacking their lips, or gulping when they drink. The sound of crinkling plastic wrappers, like chip bags or candy wrappers. The sound of typing. People who walk heavily or stomp. And then there is the unknown, unexpected sounds that get me, like the fan in our living room that has begun to squeak.
Think back to Pippin's birth story. Remember my roommate who had a serious snot-sucking issue? There was actually a point where I had to leave the room, or I knew I was going to scream my lungs out.
These sounds trigger an amazing, involuntary response in my body. It's physical. My skin crawls, in some extreme cases I feel like I'm going to throw up, and there is an irrational anger that blasts through me. The number of times I have said, "I'm going to punch you in the face if you don't close your mouth when you eat" to my Beloved would startle you. And the scary thing is, in that brief moment I actually feel like I could. I would absolutely never do it, but the inclination is there.
Do you see why I thought I was crazy?
For me, I can usually handle the sounds for a brief period of time. But it's like it just builds and builds until I snap. Throughout my life, I have learned little coping techniques. Things like white noise, music, or leaving the situation (like my hospital room) all help. Usually once I voice my frustration, the stress level lessens significantly.
And I have always felt ridiculous and guilty for these responses
Tonight, when I was perusing Pinterest, I came across a pin about Misophonia. It literally means "hatred for sound", and is sometimes known as Selective Sound Sensitivity. It's an actual brain disorder that affects many people. From the little bit of reading I have done tonight, I seem to have a relatively 'light' form of it. Some people fly into uncontrollable rages, or end up isolating themselves entirely.
I feel like a weight has been lifted. I know that just having a name for this absurdity that has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember somehow eases things a bit. Honestly, I'm not nuts!
Knowing that this is an actual thing won't make me less crazy the next time I'm sitting across the table from someone who grunts or smacks their lips when they eat. But, I think it will help alleviate the guilt I feel for my responses to these sounds.
Pinterest as therapy? Who knew?
(Yes, I know that self diagnosing via the internet is dangerous. But reading many of these peoples' stories is like looking into a mirror. I'm not the only one!)
Who ever would have thought that time spent on Pinterest would lead to a personal epiphany? I mean this is life changing for me.
All my life I have thought I was nuts, wackadoodle, and maybe even a little bit crazy. No joke. There have been moments when I have felt like I was just going to snap and go completely insane.
All because of sounds. Certain sounds.
Sounds like that of people eating, smacking their lips, or gulping when they drink. The sound of crinkling plastic wrappers, like chip bags or candy wrappers. The sound of typing. People who walk heavily or stomp. And then there is the unknown, unexpected sounds that get me, like the fan in our living room that has begun to squeak.
Think back to Pippin's birth story. Remember my roommate who had a serious snot-sucking issue? There was actually a point where I had to leave the room, or I knew I was going to scream my lungs out.
These sounds trigger an amazing, involuntary response in my body. It's physical. My skin crawls, in some extreme cases I feel like I'm going to throw up, and there is an irrational anger that blasts through me. The number of times I have said, "I'm going to punch you in the face if you don't close your mouth when you eat" to my Beloved would startle you. And the scary thing is, in that brief moment I actually feel like I could. I would absolutely never do it, but the inclination is there.
Do you see why I thought I was crazy?
For me, I can usually handle the sounds for a brief period of time. But it's like it just builds and builds until I snap. Throughout my life, I have learned little coping techniques. Things like white noise, music, or leaving the situation (like my hospital room) all help. Usually once I voice my frustration, the stress level lessens significantly.
And I have always felt ridiculous and guilty for these responses
Tonight, when I was perusing Pinterest, I came across a pin about Misophonia. It literally means "hatred for sound", and is sometimes known as Selective Sound Sensitivity. It's an actual brain disorder that affects many people. From the little bit of reading I have done tonight, I seem to have a relatively 'light' form of it. Some people fly into uncontrollable rages, or end up isolating themselves entirely.
I feel like a weight has been lifted. I know that just having a name for this absurdity that has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember somehow eases things a bit. Honestly, I'm not nuts!
Knowing that this is an actual thing won't make me less crazy the next time I'm sitting across the table from someone who grunts or smacks their lips when they eat. But, I think it will help alleviate the guilt I feel for my responses to these sounds.
Pinterest as therapy? Who knew?
(Yes, I know that self diagnosing via the internet is dangerous. But reading many of these peoples' stories is like looking into a mirror. I'm not the only one!)
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
A Growing Boy
Hey Humble Readers...
How are things where you are today? I hope that you have sunshine and cool breezes, and time to enjoy both.
Things on the flatland are sunny, although a bit too breezy for my taste. This is the time of year I love. When it's warm enough for me to have the windows open and maybe only need the fan on low to be comfy. The only bummer at the moment is that we still haven't replaced the screen in our screen door, so if I want a good cross breeze, I have to risk letting in bugs. Blech!
Today was a big day for our little mister. His first doctor appointment.
It's way later than it should have been, but it's been a scheduling nightmare because Dr. B has been away for a family emergency since just after Pip was born. When we got to the office today we found out that Dr. B is still away (and no one called us to reschedule) so we had to see another doctor at the same clinic.
On a side note, I wanted to smack the nurse who gave me attitude at the front desk. When we got there, I went to check in and she started in on me (on ME?!?!) for showing up when Dr. B wasn't there, and how they had tried to contact me yesterday (big time bull-pucky, I was home all day and the phone didn't ring until the dinner hour). When my Beloved joined me at the desk, I told him that Dr. B wasn't there, the nurse got all huffy and said that she could squeeze us in with another doc in the clinic.
Ok, enough griping. On to the good stuff.
Pippin is growing like a stink weed. He's already up to 9lb 2oz! I knew he was getting heavier and he's been filling out nicely (no more stork legs), but I had no idea he had gained so much in the last couple of weeks. He's now in the 75-90th percentile for weight and the 95th for length (I'm doubtful that he was measured correctly when we left the hospital, because they told us he was 19 inches long, and today he was 21.25 inches). Dr. L, our substitute doc, seemed very happy with where our little mister is at right now.
My incision looks really good (and no infection or yeast... YAY!), and she was pleased with my weight loss. She agreed that the dizzy spells were likely connected to the other side effects I've been having with the metformin. We discussed my blood sugars, and seeing as they have been so good since going off insulin and given all the side effects I've been experiencing, she said that I could go off the metformin (super YAY!!), provided that I keep a good track of my sugars and discuss it with Dr. W when I see her in a few weeks. The only thing we forgot to do was my blood pressure.
So, all in all, a good appointment, crabby desk nurse notwithstanding. :) And I promise to have a post that is not all baby or recovery related.
How are things where you are today? I hope that you have sunshine and cool breezes, and time to enjoy both.
Things on the flatland are sunny, although a bit too breezy for my taste. This is the time of year I love. When it's warm enough for me to have the windows open and maybe only need the fan on low to be comfy. The only bummer at the moment is that we still haven't replaced the screen in our screen door, so if I want a good cross breeze, I have to risk letting in bugs. Blech!
Today was a big day for our little mister. His first doctor appointment.
It's way later than it should have been, but it's been a scheduling nightmare because Dr. B has been away for a family emergency since just after Pip was born. When we got to the office today we found out that Dr. B is still away (and no one called us to reschedule) so we had to see another doctor at the same clinic.
On a side note, I wanted to smack the nurse who gave me attitude at the front desk. When we got there, I went to check in and she started in on me (on ME?!?!) for showing up when Dr. B wasn't there, and how they had tried to contact me yesterday (big time bull-pucky, I was home all day and the phone didn't ring until the dinner hour). When my Beloved joined me at the desk, I told him that Dr. B wasn't there, the nurse got all huffy and said that she could squeeze us in with another doc in the clinic.
Ok, enough griping. On to the good stuff.
Pippin is growing like a stink weed. He's already up to 9lb 2oz! I knew he was getting heavier and he's been filling out nicely (no more stork legs), but I had no idea he had gained so much in the last couple of weeks. He's now in the 75-90th percentile for weight and the 95th for length (I'm doubtful that he was measured correctly when we left the hospital, because they told us he was 19 inches long, and today he was 21.25 inches). Dr. L, our substitute doc, seemed very happy with where our little mister is at right now.
My incision looks really good (and no infection or yeast... YAY!), and she was pleased with my weight loss. She agreed that the dizzy spells were likely connected to the other side effects I've been having with the metformin. We discussed my blood sugars, and seeing as they have been so good since going off insulin and given all the side effects I've been experiencing, she said that I could go off the metformin (super YAY!!), provided that I keep a good track of my sugars and discuss it with Dr. W when I see her in a few weeks. The only thing we forgot to do was my blood pressure.
So, all in all, a good appointment, crabby desk nurse notwithstanding. :) And I promise to have a post that is not all baby or recovery related.
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Small Victories & Minor Grievances
Howdy Humble Readers...
Oy! I haven't gone this long without posting in a while. I've been checking in on many of you, in a hit or miss fashion over the last few days, but I just haven't had the juice to put thoughts down on paper. The following are just a few of my observations of our new life, with Pippin settling into our world.
*****
Breastfeeding isn't all sunshine and unicorn farts. Pip is getting breastmilk at almost every feeding, but for the last few days it hasn't been in a direct manner. Although I have better supply this time, things are still challenging. He's staying awake longer at the breast, and getting better about nursing even if he's dozing. BUT... I took a half day break (because my nipples were super sore... sleepy baby on the boob equals not a great latch) and that ended up being a three day break due to a plugged milk duct. Fun times. I have been pumping constantly, and that has helped greatly, but we have only just gotten back to trying the direct approach in the last 24 hours. We are still supplementing, but I am totally okay with that, so long as he's getting all I've got to give.
*****
Why, oh good heavens, why do I have to be so blankety-blank itchy? I don't remember this at all from last time. And it's not the incision itself that's itchy. It's about an inch or so on either side... and it's driving me nuts!!! I've tried all the usual itch cures... scratching another body part, scratching another person. Nothing helps. And of course I can't put lotion on it or anything. Ugh!
*****
Yesterday was my first day alone with both Ginny and Pippin. It's gone pretty well, I think. Considering that I'm technically not supposed to lift anything heavier than the baby, having a toddler who needs to have diapers changed, and be put into a crib for naps is challenging. But I'm making sure not to over do it. Ginny has been coping better with sharing Mummy's attention. There haven't been any repeats of the bottle throwing incident, and she's actually been 'helping' quite a bit... carrying bottles and diapers, folding the changing mat I use in the living room, etc. She still tries to steal Pip's bottles and blankets, but we are seeing some progress.
*****
Weight-loss contiues to go in the right direction. As of this morning I'm down 30 pounds from 13 days ago. This happened last time, so I'm not trying to celebrate too much yet. Last time I plateaued at around 40 pounds, and then it slowly crept back on after I stopped bf-ing. I am truly hoping that I will be able to continue to head in a downward direction and, at the very least, keep off what I've already lost.
*****
I understand that I need to be on metformin right now, to help my body adjust from all the crazy amounts of insulin I was on, but man oh man... the side effects suck! Who knew that metformin's primary side-effect is gastrointestinal discomfort? Ha! I've been having some serious heartburn and IBS flares in the last week. Like, wake me up in the middle of the night and spend more than an hour in the bathroom kind of flares. I'm hoping that met is not in future long term. My blood sugars have been great since I went off the insulin, and with a few exceptions to celebrate (I had my sushi and an iced chai latte in the first week after Pip was born) I am trying to continue to eat smart.
*****
I've also been dealing with some random dizzy spells. I don't have any other signs of high blood pressure issues, and they only seem to come on when I am exceptionally tired. I'm wondering if it's just a recovery thing, or if it's a side-effect of something that I'm on, or a drug interaction. I see the underwhelming Dr. B next Tuesday, so hopefully I'll get some advice on this.
*****
Ok, it's been almost two weeks... why can't I get rid of the medical tape gunk on my arm? I've scrubbed it every day, and it's still there. It's just two little spots, but they're bugging me. Any suggestions on how to get rid of them?
Oy! I haven't gone this long without posting in a while. I've been checking in on many of you, in a hit or miss fashion over the last few days, but I just haven't had the juice to put thoughts down on paper. The following are just a few of my observations of our new life, with Pippin settling into our world.
*****
Breastfeeding isn't all sunshine and unicorn farts. Pip is getting breastmilk at almost every feeding, but for the last few days it hasn't been in a direct manner. Although I have better supply this time, things are still challenging. He's staying awake longer at the breast, and getting better about nursing even if he's dozing. BUT... I took a half day break (because my nipples were super sore... sleepy baby on the boob equals not a great latch) and that ended up being a three day break due to a plugged milk duct. Fun times. I have been pumping constantly, and that has helped greatly, but we have only just gotten back to trying the direct approach in the last 24 hours. We are still supplementing, but I am totally okay with that, so long as he's getting all I've got to give.
*****
Why, oh good heavens, why do I have to be so blankety-blank itchy? I don't remember this at all from last time. And it's not the incision itself that's itchy. It's about an inch or so on either side... and it's driving me nuts!!! I've tried all the usual itch cures... scratching another body part, scratching another person. Nothing helps. And of course I can't put lotion on it or anything. Ugh!
*****
Yesterday was my first day alone with both Ginny and Pippin. It's gone pretty well, I think. Considering that I'm technically not supposed to lift anything heavier than the baby, having a toddler who needs to have diapers changed, and be put into a crib for naps is challenging. But I'm making sure not to over do it. Ginny has been coping better with sharing Mummy's attention. There haven't been any repeats of the bottle throwing incident, and she's actually been 'helping' quite a bit... carrying bottles and diapers, folding the changing mat I use in the living room, etc. She still tries to steal Pip's bottles and blankets, but we are seeing some progress.
*****
Weight-loss contiues to go in the right direction. As of this morning I'm down 30 pounds from 13 days ago. This happened last time, so I'm not trying to celebrate too much yet. Last time I plateaued at around 40 pounds, and then it slowly crept back on after I stopped bf-ing. I am truly hoping that I will be able to continue to head in a downward direction and, at the very least, keep off what I've already lost.
*****
I understand that I need to be on metformin right now, to help my body adjust from all the crazy amounts of insulin I was on, but man oh man... the side effects suck! Who knew that metformin's primary side-effect is gastrointestinal discomfort? Ha! I've been having some serious heartburn and IBS flares in the last week. Like, wake me up in the middle of the night and spend more than an hour in the bathroom kind of flares. I'm hoping that met is not in future long term. My blood sugars have been great since I went off the insulin, and with a few exceptions to celebrate (I had my sushi and an iced chai latte in the first week after Pip was born) I am trying to continue to eat smart.
*****
I've also been dealing with some random dizzy spells. I don't have any other signs of high blood pressure issues, and they only seem to come on when I am exceptionally tired. I'm wondering if it's just a recovery thing, or if it's a side-effect of something that I'm on, or a drug interaction. I see the underwhelming Dr. B next Tuesday, so hopefully I'll get some advice on this.
*****
Ok, it's been almost two weeks... why can't I get rid of the medical tape gunk on my arm? I've scrubbed it every day, and it's still there. It's just two little spots, but they're bugging me. Any suggestions on how to get rid of them?
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