I Can Think Clearly Now, the Pain is Gone

Well, the pain is not gone, but it's much better. I survived the frenzy of medical appointments, tests and treatments, and I'm moving forward. Thank you so much for praying and encouraging me through the past few days. It's been painful, taxing and a little scary. At this point, the docs think I'm suffering from mixed-type migraine headaches, and Sunday's crazy symptoms were likely part of a "complicated" migraine.

The CT Scan was clear and the MRI was fairly unremarkable (bulging disc at C6&7 and acute sinusitis--go figure). The neurologist also ordered an MRA (imaging of the arteries) for Tuesday. He advised me to have more regular osteopathic manipulation for my neck and spine, while taking Topamax daily for prevention of migraines. I say yes to the first recommendation and "not yet" to the second. I prefer the more natural means of getting healthy.

So, we'll see what my good ol' D.O. can do, wait for the results of the MRA...and go from there. Once again, thank you for your kindness and support. And praise God for His continued provisions.

Blessings to you,
Ramona

Doctors and Drugs

I'm in the midst of medical mania. For the past couple weeks, I've been experiencing severe headaches, which I've tried (operative word) to manage with a combination of medication, massage, stretching, exercise, Active-On and prayer. Sunday after church, my headache started raving, and a host of other crazy symptoms joined the party. My right eye went berserk and lost it's ability to see straight, while my brain forgot how to communicate to my mouth. Since my sentences no longer matched my thoughts, some crazy phrases came out. Even Liliana looked at me and said, "Mama, what are you talking about?!" As soon as Wade took one look (and listen) at me, he rushed me to the hospital.

The staff at St. Luke's thought I might be having a stroke, so they hooked me up to a bunch of shiny contraptions, took a CT scan and monitored my vitals. They were so uppity about my condition that they wouldn't even let me go to the potty! After confirming that I wasn't stroking, they observed my behavior, sent blood to the lab and finally let me pee--in a cup! After "resting" in the ER for a few hours and allowing the doctor to experiment with a host of painkillers, I finally went home. I was so thankful that I didn't have to stay overnight as originally expected. My bedroom is much more comfortable and quiet than the hospital.

Since returning home, my life is all about doctors and drugs. Primary doc yesterday, MRI this afternoon and neurologist tomorrow. Lots of medicine in between.

On top of that, I'm supposed to be "taking it easy"--whatever that means for a busy mother with a huge To-Do list, clients to call, an adoption situation stamped "urgent," and a 3.5-year-old who doesn't slow down.

All in all, life is a little overwhelming right now. But I'm so thankful to be feeling a little better, thinking a little more clearly and able to potty whenever I feel like it! Please pray for strength, rest, wisdom and guidance. Your support means the world!

Blessings,
Ramona

Oh, My Aching Head

It's been a rough week of migraine headaches...so I didn't accomplish much of anything (hence, no posts). Looking back, it's pretty amazing that I was able to care for Liliana, keep my family fed and see clients. So far, today looks like it's going to be migraine-free. Thank you, Lord!

Here's to a new lease on life!

Birthday Blues

I'm think I'm going to change the date of my birthday. Okay, that's technically impossible...so I guess I'll change the date it's actually acknowledged. I'd stop recognizing it altogether if it weren't for family members who would loudly protest. For some reason, the actual anniversary of my birth is always one of the worst days of my year. And it's not that I'm disappointed because I start with high expectations. The days are objectively awful.

Two years ago, my birthday was accompanied by the loss of a baby, the loss of a cousin and the diagnosis of my father's cancer (that took his life seven weeks later). Last year was a little less rotten, and this year I'm battling a migraine and a miserably persistent upper respiratory infection. To make matters worse, I thought I just lost my husband. Never fear: Wade is fine...but due to a phone snafu, I was worried sick. Now the tears won't stop flowing, and emotional outbursts are not good for a stuffy nose and aching head.

At 4:30pm, I'm going to call it a day and postpone any semblance of celebration. My age will change today, and I'll acknowledge it on...Thanksgiving. Why not?! That's an uplifting holiday with plenty of fun, food and family. Thanksgiving it is!

Okay, please pardon my brief, but cathartic ranting. On a more positive note (I truly am an optimistic person, despite my current doldrums), I am thankful for another year of life's precious lessons, a strengthened faith and exceptionally beautiful family and friends. Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Blessings,
Ramona

Ups and Downs

I've been struggling with musculoskeletal problems since college, when springboard diving finally took it's toll on my back. Later, two motor vehicle accidents (neither my fault!) rocked my already injured body and ensured lifelong ups and downs on the pain scale. Yesterday and today have been two of the tougher days. My head, shoulders and neck have been aching, to the point that survival has been my primary goal.

This morning, I spent several hours on the sofa, battling a massive migraine. I could barely function, even with earplugs muffling the sound and a blanket blocking the light. All I could do was listen to Liliana as she played with blocks and stickers. My pain was almost unbearable, and made worse by the fact that I couldn't interact with my baby at all. So frustrating. What I wouldn't give to be trade this 34-year-old body in for a newer model!

On a positive note, I am feeling much better right now. Additionally, I have experienced some nausea, heartburn and soreness that could be attributed to pregnancy. However, the nausea could also be associated with the headaches, and the other symptoms are nothing to get excited about. With seven days to go, I remain cautiously optimistic. The days continue to crawl by, and I wait and hope...and pray, pray, pray for the desires of our hearts.

Blessings, Ramona