If you have never seen an inch worm, I would imagine you have seen a child’s toy that looks like one and captures the same odd forward motion of one. They have a way of thrusting forward slightly then humping their mid-sections, then straightening out and bringing their rear sections forward; therefore moving their bodies in a forward motion. They always remind me of a Slinky, children’s toy. They may not travel far but they get their eventually, wherever it is they are going. Much like the ant, the turtle and many of God’s creatures, their mission and destination are clear to them but slowly accomplished. They must think, these creatures, if they think about us at all, that we move at the speed of sound and often don’t reach our destination but they do unless thwarted by some outside force. The point is to get where you want to go or need to be.
Those of us who live with chronic pain each day of our lives still have living to do, things to do, places to go. How to accomplish all of that is often a question that brings us to our knees in thought and question. I find much wisdom from comparing my daily activities to that of the lowly inch worm. Perhaps, he is not so lowly after all since he does have a rather clever way of achieving his goals in life.
Most of us are accustomed to moving at a much faster pace than we are now able to and there is much frustration in that fact. We are handicapped by fatigue, pain in our joints or organs but also in our need for caution. Most of us meet the floor more often with parts of our bodies other than our feet; far more often than we used to. More frustration is experienced as we seek to make the transition from rabbit to inch worm.
There are days I look around the nooks and crannies of my life and wonder how I will ever accomplish any of the chores, errands or goals I want to. Those are the times when one, two or all of my joints are crying out, my fatigue is at an all-time high and I am riddled with doubts. Since my stubbornness and the lack of readily available funds and housekeepers makes it impossible to hire help, when my husband already has more than he can do at work, then I face a conundrum. Who? What? How will my life continue at a clean, safe and quality pace? Truthfully, I don’t like the idea of strangers being all over my beautiful home and handling my possessions, etc. This all evolves into some of the days I have absolutely no answers in my life, only problems. Eventually, I have to go back to some tried and true solutions that have worked for me in the past and haul them out for review. I confess I slip back into the old ways of worry and depression far too easily, sucked in by daily pain.
I have to remind myself to look at the small inch worm and the smaller picture of life. I know we’re always admonished to look at the “big picture” but there are times in one’s life when that bigger view is too big. Sometimes the laundry list of chores, wishes, duties is so long it’s formidable and frankly, overwhelming. I read the list or go over the one in my mind and just give up. It’s too much and I’m defeated before I begin. That’s always a good time to pick out one chore or trip and accomplish it. Sometimes it’s a load of laundry or a simple meal. It may be a trip to the grocery store or the druggist. All of those long lists are comprised of smaller challenges and to see them, tackle them and accomplish them one at a time is so much more satisfying than fooling myself into believing I can get them all done when I know I cannot.
Inch worm, inch worm, you seem so content with your life I envy you. We humans who are in transition, and that includes almost everyone, are constantly in a state of frustration because we don’t like to change. However, change is often thrust upon us by our bodies, our families and life’s little surprises. Perhaps, we need to learn from our tiny friend and accomplish one inch at a time and learn to be content with that because the overwhelming quality of the big list can often cause a state of motionless inertia. For instance, today I am feeling sore from too much cooking yesterday. I made the first apple pie I have made in a year and it didn’t turn out as well as I had hoped. I usually make a very good apple pie full of apples, cinnamon and raisins but this one, well, not so much. I also cooked a nice dinner for us. Today I feel the fatigue of that action and had a very fitful night with pain in my back and shoulders. Today, my goals are much smaller yet I know I must accomplish something therefore I am going to sweep up the fallen blossoms from a spent Christmas cactus, put on a jacket and go out to the porch and trim back a couple of limp geraniums, fold one load of towels and that will be it. Accomplishment! I know it’s a pathetic list in some eyes but it will keep me from sinking into the doldrums and letting this body win the battle of today. Then I will feel I have earned a rest, can read a book or chat with friends online. Inch worm, inch worm, I’m learning.
I know how difficult it is to overcome the fear that often accompanies chronic illness and pain. We end up counting the ways we hurt, the locations of every painful spot and when our list becomes too long we are tempted to give up, to stop making an effort. It’s happened to me hundreds of times but each time I have to slap myself in the face, open the curtains and let in the sunshine of reason. If I’m not dying then I must be living. If I’m living then, what am I doing with my life? Is life all about leaps, bounds and major accomplishments? No, it’s about the little things that are the building blocks of your life and mine.
One of the reasons I have more fatigue and pain is the slippage in exercising. I know. We all hate to exercise when we hurt but those muscles and sad joints aren’t going to get any better when left alone. They slip into weakness and that doesn’t keep us strong. You and I may not be able to do what we once did when it comes to exercise but we can do something. For me it is often a simple leg exercise and for the arms and shoulders simply lifting a 3 lb. weight a few times, trying to build the number of repetitions without causing more damage. When it starts to hurt, I stop or wait a day in between sessions. It’s often a balancing act of hurting and helping. Doing nothing should never be an option unless you’ve had a fresh surgery or are advised to rest by your doctor.
One of the pitfalls we inch worms need to avoid are those ruts in the road that can interrupt our progress. One of those ruts is comparing ourselves to others or putting up with them comparing us to them. Each of us has to stand or sit on our own inch of space. It doesn’t matter if we’re judged by others nor should we judge ourselves too harshly. Life is what we make it. The events that happened to us and our bodies we did not usually make. They just happened but what we do about them, well now, that part is up to us.
Another rut we inch worms can fall into is the oldest one of all and that is self-pity. It’s very dark down in that rut, it serves little purpose except to make the rut deeper and it’s very lonely. Without the sunlight of accomplishment, tolerance for ourselves and our faith in tomorrow it is dark indeed. You and I want to crawl out of that hole as quickly as possible, even if it is just one inch at a time.
Inch worm, inch worm, wait for me I’ve got to put on some shoes and a jacket and prune back some geraniums in between bursts of rain. By the way, thanks for your example my tiny friend.
Weekly Dose of Sue 
Sue
What wise wise words
That’s just how life is for us
Shorty today as GS ok but had accident and car is a right off and his cellphone got broke. So communicating was via me and a strangers phone and DD at work .all a bit awkward.but at least he is fine.
Back later tonite
Chris
Chris, I’m so thankful your GS is okay. Sorry to hear his car is a complete loss. Life hangs on such a slender thread, doesn’t it? Thank God you could be there for him.
Thanks for letting us know Jennie is having computer trouble. Hope she gets it corrected soon. I’ll contact her today. Love, Sue
Good one, Sue. I remember as a child I loved to catch an inchworm. And mother always said if one was on your clothes it was measuring you for new ones. I loved that one.
Like that worm we have to do slow and sure don’t we ? Sometimes it seems I will never get done, or I just get so tired while doing. Yesterday, I fed all the animals, took the time to pet the horses and give them a treat, And I shoveled my sister a path on her ramp and porch, and a small path to her carport. This took me over an hour. I was exhausted afterwards, but you know, it is that good feeling when you accomplish what you set out to do, no matter how slow or how long it takes you. We are supposed to get rain tonight and melt off the snow, by the end of the week, it will be 50′. What a weird winter we have had.
Praying for you my dear , strength and peace in your heart of hearts. I had a long conversation with my son yesterday too. He is having a time of it, but I know God will work it out to the best. It is so hard to see them have to learn from the decisions they make in haste, especially when children are involved.
Well, off to check on the house and go to swim this morning. Can’t wait to get away from here for a while !!!
Take care
Love
Tonie
Tonie, it sounds like you outdid our little friendly inch worm yesterday. SO much. Bet you were sore this morning from doing it all. When is Judy coming home? All of that shoveling I assume it is today or you would have waited for the coming rain to do the job. Yes, I can see that you will have the potential for a muddy mess. That is strange weather you’ve been having this year. Travel safely my friend as those roads must still be a mess.
I am sorry to hear your son is at a bad period in his life. I know how much the children mean to him and know if he is not able to live with them it is a heartbreak. Hope and trust he can work things out in his marriage. Love, Sue
Dear Sue, Really needed this one today. Woke up with vertigo, it happens every few weeks and makes it difficult to do anything. So scared of falling. I’m going to take it one inch at a time. Take care dear lady, know you and all here are always in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Janet
Janet, I am sorry to hear that dreaded vertigo is back again. I hope it leave you soon. Are you taking anything that can help it to go away? I share your concern for your safety and understand how it will be slow moving for today. Hugs, Sue
Janet:
So sorry you have vertigo. I hate that stuff. Please take care and use that inch worm walk, I have this mental image of you on your belly inching along !!
love you
Tonie
Lol Tonie. Love you girl..
Hi
Another shorty as have problems to sort..but Jen emailed me and she can’t get onto the blog
Another concern for her as her son is not so good and she is worried. how things all happen at once when you want them to go right…..
Chris
Hi folks
Had my swabs back
Showed pus cells but not infected at all.they say it is prob coming from the polyp rubbing on the wall so have to wait for gynea.but that’s prob why I’ve got the pain…along with the blimmin IBS!
Putting the oestrogen cream in so I’m not so sore when I go..don’t know it’ll make any difference but it’s me being in control!
GS not in work today sore all over and neck and noises in ears….they told him not to come In today …..he won’t go to Dr….typical!.. Going into work tomorrow his work are lending him a car to get to work
Hope all better with weather over there..the winds are starting up here….but we are not getting the bad stuff…that’s over the west today
Chris
Chris dear, so pleased to hear there is no infection in there as yet but with pus or purulence in there that does tell you that the body is putting out white blood cells for some reason and it is probably the irritation and that is probably a part of the pain. I hope the estrogen creme is helping. I’ve always had problems with it but we’re each different…that we know. It will be good when they can get those polyps out of you.
I agree with Lyn that GS should go on the record and see a doctor. If he has a problem that shows up, the car insurance co. will have questions. It’s always a good idea to get every accident documented. I hope, of course, that he is okay and that the soreness eases up. Oh how the young can bounce around, poor kid and poor car. Do take care dear friend. Love, Sue
Sue, just what I needed to read today. I don’t know if others are finding this, but I’m finding some people around me seem to be forgetting I can’t do all I used to. It is difficult to be that inch worm sometimes. I do hope you are inching along, my friend.
Chris, I am so sorry to hear about your GS. It sounds like he really should see a doctor to be checked. So often we think we are fine after an accident when we really aren’t. Some things do sneak up on us later, too. Please tell Jennie she and her son will have some added prayer time from me. 😉
Tonie, inch worm, now… Take care of yourself. 50* end of the week? Not here. 😦 At least we seem to be avoiding that possible snow Thursday into Friday. That would not have been a good thing. Schools are still closed up here, many already calling off for tomorrow. The cities around here are in terrible shape, many streets still not touched. I am thankful that we are about to get out and about. Hope you enjoyed your swim! I love that saying of your Mom’s – inch worm measuring you up for new clothing. 🙂
Hi yall, well, since we got the least amount of snow here, it is finally melting pretty quickly now. It was in the 50’s today. School will start back tomorrow. My husband drives a school bus and he got the message about an hour ago that tomorrow would be a regular school day. Yesterday some of the secondary roads were still pretty bad. They must have been able to get them cleaned off today.
Sue, I so enjoyed the blog today. I really needed to read that. Things can be so overwhelming sometimes and you can’t help but feel bad looking at everything piling up. I must look at the inch worm’s
life and just do one thing at a time and learn to be grateful to know that I have accomplished something and be able to rest without feeling guilty. I am bad to schedule appointments and errands on the same day to try and get as much done as I can while I am out. Then that night and the next day I begin to pay for it. No more. I am going to space them out and try to to only do what I have to that day and wait for another day for something else. I need to move around some anyway. When I go out I feel like I am getting a good excercise work out by taking my walker in and out of my van plus walking wherever I am going and then doing it each time I go somewhere else. So that is what I will do from now on.
I so hope you are feeling better today Sue. I was suppose to go to my doctor and see if I have a UTI and an ear infection. I overslept and when I woke up I was soaked from my leaking Depend and Poise pad. So there was no way for me to get everything cleaned up and have time to get there. I called and rescheduled for tomorrow. After all that, I rested the remainder of the day. I will try again tomorrow. I hope you got your geranium trimed.
Tonie, sounds like you worked pretty hard doing all you did. We are suppose to get rain tomorrow and I am sure it will melt any snow left. I bet your grandchildren had a blast in all that snow. I hope you aren’t hurting too bad! That was a good bit of work you did there sweetie. I hope you can rest.
Lyn, are you in agony? You did quite a lot yourself. I could hardly believe how deep the snow was on that one picture! All your pictures were very pretty. I don’t know how anyone could even walk in that snow. Wow! We had snow first through the night, then sleet on top of that most of the day on Friday. Then snow again Friday night. So our snow wasn’t soft and fluffy like yours. I assume Tonie’s was like yours. I think you might have to remind your family that you can’t do what you used to do. Take care and be careful.
Chris, so glad your GS wasn’t hurt in the wreck. It was good he had you to help. Hope you are feeling better dear. I know you will be glad when your procedure is over to remove the polyps. Glad there wasn’t any infection. Take care of yourself and stay warm.
Janet, sorry you are having problems with vertigo. My mom used to have it real bad. She would cry and think she was falling. I felt so bad for her. Try and be careful. Do not want you to fall. You don’t need anymore pain. I will be praying for you. Hopefully it want last too long.
I will be praying for all of you and I love all of you! Jennie, I had a similar problem 2 weeks ago and I had to end up changing my password. When you get back on just know we are all praying for you and your son and that situation. We all love you.
(((HUGS))) Donna
DONNA, good to hear from you. Indeed, I do that too, the planning too much for one day. In my case it is often because I can’t travel the two hours into Portland very often and often take on too much while I am there. I see no way around that because of the distance but do plan ahead to have the next day off and rest the day previous to the drive. We each have such a rutted road to travel to keep up with life, don’t we? I know we cannot possibly understand what the other goes through but we can have some notion or idea and try to understand. We each certainly have a better grasp than some totally healthy individuals have. Stay well, keep in touch and like the rest of us, keep being honest with yourself as you learn each day. Love, Sue
Lyn, I greatly enjoyed your pics of the snow on FB but they did worry me a bit. I’m glad I knew you had stocked up on groceries and that the kids were okay but do hope SB is not overwhelmed with muscle and back pain from all the shoveling of snow. Indeed, you are so right. I have been feeling particularly alone out there on that branch lately with that little inch worm lately. I think those closest to us know the facts but often don’t register it or forget. How do you explain pain to others? It’s difficult without whining. We took Jim out for his birthday, finally, the other night and I sat on a poorly padded chair, dinner was delicious but overpriced yet I felt very alone at that table trying to make conversation, yet only thinking of how badly my ass hurt. I was awake most of the night yet would do it again but know others didn’t and couldn’t truly get it.
I am barely keeping up with chores and have so much to do and am hoping when Jim finally retires he will pick up some of them. Right now he is just too exhausted to do it and I get it.
I’m glad you’re finally going to be free to go out, even if it is in the rain. We know all about that…had more again today. Do be good to yourself and inch along doing what you can to survive this life. Love you, Sue
Sue, Donna, slowly recovering from overdoing – surprise, surprise. SB is holding up well. He was exhausted and very sore when he returned home. I don’t remember if I mentioned, but he was basically shoveling the whole time he was there. He did sleep a little, but not as much as he should have. He had Monday and Tuesday off work and no school, so he slept A LOT! He got a good back rub from his dad Monday evening and said last night he felt pretty good. Oh to be young. He did have a spasm that concerned me a bit, though. It was right above the area where he gets his ablations. I’m hoping that isn’t extending up his back.
Sue, I’m sorry you paid such a price for some family time out. It does happen, doesn’t it? It is an isolating feeling sometimes, like you’re there, but your not, or invisible or something. Happens to me with fatigue as well at times. I recall one lovely lunch out with my mom and DD where I spent the whole time fighting to stay awake and not show it. Ugh. I’m sure Jim will pitch in when he is retired. I can’t imagine him sitting around doing nothing. I know my DH can’t. In fact, snow days are often a challenge for him. He did pretty well this time around. I think he knew he’d have lots of snow removal to rest up for.
Lyn;
School has been out most of last week, an now starting 2 hours late everyday. We didn’t get the freezing rain, for which I am thankful, but the clouds are still ominous looking, so who knows …
WELL THAT HIT THE NAIL ON THE HEAD FOR ME. A NICE REMINDER OF HOW WE FEEL. VERY HARD TO BE THAT INCH WORM, BUT EVERY ONCE AND A WHILE I CAN DO IT OR I’M FORCED TO DO IT. LONG DAY FOR ME, WENT TO VISIT ASSISTED LIVING HOMES FOR AUNTY WITH MY COUSIN. ONLY FOUND ONE WE LIKED. GOING THURSDAY TO OTHERS AND THEN WE WILL BRING AUNTY TO SEE TWO OF THEM. SHE WILL MAKE HER DECISION WHICH PLACE TO GO TO. HOPEFULLY SHE WILL BE MOVED OUT SOMETIME IN FEBRUARY. ALL GOING SO FAST FOR ME. TOMORROW WILL BE A DAY OF REST AS IT WILL BE PAY BACK FOR TODAY. WILL KEEP YOU POSTED ON EVERYTHING THAT IS HAPPENING, WHICH IT A WHOLE LOT. LOVE TO ALL. TOO TIRED NOW TO KEEP WRITING.
THAT WAS JUST WHAT I NEEDED TO READ ALSO SUE. THANKS FOR GREAT TIMING. LOVE YOU AND KEEP YOUR CHIN UP MY DEAR FRIEND.
GOD BLESS YOU ALL XXX
Suzanne, will be praying for all of you as you and your Aunt make a decision as to which place she is going to. I think it is wonderful she is going to do this. There is no way you could keep her. You take care of yourself and get some rest. Love and (((HUGS))) Donna
Suzanne, I am so glad to hear from you. I was beginning to worry. I am pleased you are not going to have your aunty live with you as that would have been too much. I hope you’re prepared for her not to like any of the places you looked at because this will be hard on her. Are they places that will help her with meds and meals? Doesn’t she need that help? I know we each will pray for both of you so you will feel peace about a place for her. Do take care and remember our little inch worm friend. Love, Sue
SUE, SHE IS THE ONE WHO SAID IT WAS TIME TO LEAVE AND GO INTO ASSISTED LIVING. (SHE HAD A FORMAL COMPLAINT FROM THE BUILDING SHE LIVES IN, I WAS SHOOK UP WHEN I CALLED AND FOUND OUT WHAT SHE DID AND SHE DOESN’T EVEN REMEMBER) YES THEY DO HAVE MEALS AND HELP WITH THE MEDS. ALSO CLEANING, IS INCLUDED. SHE ALSO WILL HAVE A BALCONY WHICH WAS NUMBER ONE ON HER LIST OF WANTS. THANK YOU ALL FOR THE PRAYERS, I’M NOT OUT OF THE WOODS YET SO I WILL NEED THEM. THE PLACES WE ARE LOOKING AT ARE NOT TOO FAR SO I WILL BE ABLE TO DRIVE MYSELF WITHOUT ALWAYS ASKING FOR HELP. IT DRIVES ME CRAZY. I’M HOPING SHE WILL CHOOSE THE ONE CLOSEST TO ME. SUE I THINK SINCE I READ YOUR BLOG, THAT LITTLE INCH WORM IS ON MY SHOULDER TALKING TO ME EVERY INCH OF THE WAY. LOL. THANK YOU ONCE MORE ALL OF YOU FOR YOUR PRAYERS. YOU ALL ARE SUCH A GREAT SUPPORT FOR ME. WILL BE SEEING MY NEW DOC ON FEB 11TH, MY BIRTHDAY PRESENT. CAN’T WAIT TO SEE HIM. NERVOUS THOUGH.
DONNA HAPPY TO HEAR YOU ARE GETTING OUT. CHRIS I THINK I WOULD HAVE GS CHECKED ALSO, YOU JUST NEVER KNOW WHAT CAN POP UP LATER. LYN I TOTALLY UNDERSTAND PEOPLE AROUND US ‘forget” THAT WE CAN’T DO IT ALL. THAT IS WHAT IS HAPPENING TO ME ALSO. VERY FRUSTRATING I FIND.
WELL MY DEARS, DO TAKE CARE AND LOVE TO ALL.
GOD BLESS. XXX
Suzanne, so happy your aunt is the one who made the decision. Hopefully she will choose the one closest. Prayers will continue. Hugs as well. 🙂
Suzanne
That is good your aunt is going into a sheltered place..you must be firm when she is looking at it. I know she might not want to go
Doing it with your cousin for help that’s good too.
Get some rest for Thursday
Lyn
Passed on your thoughts to Jen .is everything moving with you now and clearing?
Sue
I must admit I’m not sure of the oestrogen cream either..it burns
I understand about that distant feeling in company..it’s as if you are on the edge of things all the time
Held back but our prison of pain…..and also it’s doing something that we are not used to now . I find a lot of people mesmerising. Praps feel safer in my own company…But if only places were more comfortable! Life would be easier ..You usually take your cushion with you..or did you and it still was no good?
Tonie
Is it warmer with you
Chris
Chris, the problem I had with the estrogen creme was believed to be one of the fillers in it and not the estrogen. I had intense burning and itching and was miserable.
I thought you hit the nail on the head when you talked about the prison of pain we each live in. No, I didn’t take my cushion in the restaurant with me but the chairs were padded. Since I crushed my last vertebrae I find one of the problems is just being upright for a couple of hours and have the rear and back pain even from standing, i.e. cooking, dishes, etc.
I wrote to Jen and told her to recheck how she is signing in on the blog to comment. Hope she gets the problems worked out. I miss her. Later, Love ya, Sue
THANK YOU ALL AND PLEASE KEEP THE PRAYERS COMING OUR WAY. WE ARE GOING OUT ONCE AGAIN TO SEE THE FINAL PLACE AND THEN AUNTY WILL HAVE TO MAKE A DECISION ON WHERE SHE WOULD LIKE TO LIVE. WE WILL GIVE HER TWO CHOICES. I WILL KEEP YOU POSTED. FEB. WILL BE VERY BUSY AS WE HAVE TO PACK HER UP AND GO THROUGH EVERYTHING. THEN THE MOVERS WILL COME AND GET WHAT SHE WILL BE BRINGING WITH HER.
LOVE TO ALL AND THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ALL YOUR SUPPORT. IT MEANS THE WORLD TO ME. HOPE YOU WILL ALL HAVE A LOW PAIN DAY. PRAYING FOR YOU ALSO.
XXX
Just An update Jen still can’t get on..I have passed your messages on
Chris
Sue, I needed these words of wisdom today. Just yesterday, I posted on Facebook that I no longer can keep up with the housework. Quite frankly, I find housework and laundry to be boring and tedious chores, although necessary to our good health, and I do enjoy a clean house after the work is done. Like you, I don’t like the thought of strangers handling my precious treasures and really can’t afford to hire help. All I really want to do is play with Gracie, my Malinois, and take nice slow walks on the bay trails which is how I get my exercise. She’s such a good sport, off leash, and runs ahead but then comes back to me. As I sit here contemplating my “laundry” list for today, I’m thinking of you up north, trimming your geraniums on the porch and sweeping up the spent Christmas cactus. You’re in my prayers each night. Karen
Greetings, Karen! Indeed, we all tire of housework. For the past couple of months in particular I can say daily I say to myself how tired I am of cleaning up after everyone when they are more than capable of doing so themselves!
You hit the nail on the head, Lyn! I get a small shot of motivation to clean up the downstairs, every Wedesday, knowing Gracie’s dog trainer comes to the house each Thursday. Why is it the dust on the floor and furniture only bothers us women, and not the men?
Karen, Love hearing from you as I often do on FB. I confess I am so envious of your Gracie behaving so well when our George is such an ornery, spoiled little thing and to think you brought her all the way from China. She is so beautiful. I do know what you mean about the tedious side of life and I think it’s sort of due to two factors. The first is that we often, or usually feel like crap and the other is that for many of us our lives have shrunk and most of what is left for us is duty, dust and dirty laundry. My goodness don’t I sound negative. I’m sorry. Yes, I did do some trimming on my geraniums that were once so gorgeous and the Christmas cacti have stopped blooming and I confess I don’t care. Fortunately I always have a couple of my African violets which are in bloom. I do love them so much. My tastes have become quite simple I fear and my joys in the small things besides inch worms. Love, Sue
Karen;
Good to see you here, welcome. I think I can speak for all of us when I say, we all hate housework. It is a necessary evil.
hope to see you on here more.
Tonie
OH DEAR ME, I MUST SAY I HATE HOUSEWORK ALSO KAREN. YOU CERTAINLY AREN’T ALONE. THERE IS SO MUCH I WOULD LIKE TO DO BUT CAN NOT DO IT ANY MORE. MY HOUSE WOULD NEED A REAL GOING OVER BUT, NOT HAPPENING. YOUR WALKS SOUND LOVELY AND JUST MY SPEED. DO TAKE GOOD CARE.
GOD BLESS. XXX
Hey there, Suzanne! Wouldn’t it be fun if we could all meet for a nice, leisurely walk along the bay trails? I know we can’t do it because of geographic location but it’s always fun to dream, isn’t it? Karen
Thank you, Toni. I’ve often thought how great it would be if we could just wiggle our noses, like Samantha, on the old t.v. show, Bewitched, and have our houses clean in an instant. Karen
Karen
I loved that show..wish they would put it on again
I guess it too uncomplicated for today’s world.
Chris
Hi Toni! I left a reply for you but believe I put it beneath Suzanne’s post. I need to come on here more often to get the hang of things. LOL! Karen
Hey all;
good evening. Hope you all had a good day. I apologize for any capital letters that are not coming thru, the key is sticking on my computer. Chris, it is warmed up here, in the 40’s. Still a lot of snow, but it is melting. So soon it will be a muddy mess.
I went swimming today, almost didn’t get thru it. I need to eat better before I go, and a better supper. instead of cheese and fruit. I ran out of steam and was so hungry !! I got out my Tai chi dvd and worked on that for an hour tonight, It is so hard to believe a few easy movements will cause you to feel like you ran a few blocks when you are done.And now I am falling asleep. so I will bid you all good night
love to you all
Tonie
Morning Peeps;
High winds, from the North this morning 😦 is it spring yet ?? The blog is doing strange things. I posted on the 27th, but it is showing yesterdays dates, oh well. Lest they are there. huh ? Suzanne, so glad your auntie is helping with the choosing, but I would ask her to go to the one nearest me. Glad you are working it out well. I do pray for you.
Chris, so much problems of late, prayers dear friend that you feel better soon. Sue, I was thinking of you last night, not sure why, you were just on my mind a lot, so I said a prayer for you. Lyn, are you having this little blast of cold before the warm weather this weekend also ? It is going to be a muddy mess when all this snow melts. But I will be glad to see it gone. Especially having to walk thru it every morning and evening.
I had a fibro flare up yesterday and felt like a train wreck all day. I would start to feel better, then think I will do something, then get up and feel bad all over again. So I lay around like a slug and read a book. And ate cookies !! My sister gave me a package of chocolate chip cookies, and I couldn’t stop it. I finally put them out of my sight. I had to have the “bored” eating going on. I still haven’t started painting the kitchen cabinets, hopefully today. I am getting ready to go and swim, then go check out the mail n such at the Carmody;s house. See how much energy I have when I get back. I know I will make me a protein shake to drink on the way there, maybe it will help me with the energy levels.
Take care all, Jenny, hope you can get back on soon Miss your verbage !!
Love to all
Tonie
Verbage…….this may work, but as I type its going back on itself, so maybe this is a one off….its my 14th attempt……x
Jennie, good to see you…actually both of you. Sue
Tonie, Sorry you’re having a bad time of it. Perhaps the warmer weather will help. You’ve had too much going on for you body, apparently. Do take care. Thanks for the extra prayers, I can always use them. The blog times have always been ahead by several hours. Sue
Chris, Yes, we’re all glad to see Jen…
Jen
Yippee
Your back
Chris
HEY JENNIE POO, NICE TO HEAR FROM YOU AGAIN. HOPE ALL IS GOING WELL. DIDN’T REALLY HAVE TIME TO READ ALL THE BLOGS THAT CAME IN. WAS VERY BUSY WITH AUNTY LAST WEEK AND THIS WEEK. I AM HAPPY TO REPORT SHE DECIDED ON A PLACE, NOT AS CLOSE AS I WOULD HAVE LIKED BUT CLOSE ENOUGH THAT I CAN GET THERE MYSELF. WOOHOO. NO MORE ASKING SOMEONE TO BRING ME TO SEE HER. SHE WILL BE MOVING IN ON MARCH 1ST. WE HAVE LOTS TO DO IN ONE MONTH FOR HER TO BE ABLE TO GO. CHANGING BANKS, DOC…….ETC….. NOT SURE HOW I WILL BE ABLE TO CONTINUE AT THIS PACE, SEEMS LIKE NOW I HAVE NO CHOICE. I WILL BE SEEING MY NEW DOC ON MY BIRTHDAY FEB. 11TH. SO THAT WILL BE A DAY OFF FOR ME. I DO HOPE EVERYONE IS DOING OK. SUE I HOPE YOU ARE DOING A LITTLE BETTER, BUT ONE DAY AT A TIME. THAT INCH WORM WORKS FOR ME. THANKS ALL FOR THE PRAYERS. STILL NEED THEM COMING TO GET THROUGH THIS NEW MONTH. THANK GOD I HAVE MY COUSIN WITH ME. SHE IS REALLY A BLESSING SENT BY GOD.
LOVE TO ALL! XXX
Suzanne, sounds like life for your aunt and for you is heading in a good direction. Do you have to get it all done in a month? Couldn’t you just get the stuff she wants ready to move with her and then do the rest? I’m afraid it will get you down. Do be good to you. Hope she likes the place and assume you both do. Love, Sue
GOOD DAY SUE, AUNTY REALLY LIKES THE PLACE AND KEPT TELLING US HOW HAPPY SHE IS. ACTUALLY IT IS A LITTLE BIGGER THAN WHERE SHE LIVES NOW. LOTS OF STORAGE. SHE WANTS TO BRING EVERYTHING I’M AFRAID! WE TOLD HER SHE HAD TO GO THROUGH HER CLOTHES CAUSE SHE HAS LOST SO MUCH WEIGHT IT DOESN’T FIT HER ANYMORE. SHE TOLD US THAT ALL HER CLOTHES FITS HER CAUSE NO MATTER WHAT SIZE IT JUST TAKES THE SHAPE OF HER BODY.?? THINKING MONDAY WILL BE A CHALLENGE. YOU ARE RIGHT SUE, WE WILL HAVE AN EXTRA MONTH IN THE APARTMENT TO CLEAN AND GO THROUGH TONS OF PAPERS (AUNTY KEPT EVERYTHING). WE WILL HAVE TO PACE OURSELVES CAUSE MY COUSIN IS WAITING FOR THE HOSPITAL TO CALL HER FOR A KNEE REPLACEMENT AND THEN THERE IS ME! AUNTY CAN WALK FASTER THAN BOTH OF US. I WILL CERTAINLY ENJOY THE WEEKEND AT HOME TO REST UP FOR THE COMING WEEK.
PRAYING FOR YOU ALSO MY FRIEND.
CHRIS, YES IT IS GOOD NEWS. I WON’T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT HER NOW AND I CAN GET THERE ON MY OWN. SOUNDS LIKE YOU ARE HAVING A HARD TIME RIGHT NOW. HOPE EVERYTHING TURNS AROUND SOON FOR YOU.
TONIE YOU SOUND VERY BUSY. SORRY YOU HAD THAT FLARE. DO REST DEAR LADY. I KNOW YOU HAVE LOTS TO DO BUT KEEP THAT INCH WORM IN YOUR MIND. OF COURSE I DO UNDERSTAND HOW YOU FELL THOUGH.
LOVE TO ALL ON THE BLOG. SENDING HEALING PRAYERS.
XXX
Suzanne
That is good news..and take it all a bit at a time..I’m glad you have your cousin to share all thoughts with too. I’m sure you feel so tired right now…try at rest this weekend if you can. You done well.i hope the new Dr fits the bill and your birthday too….it’s gotta be good
Tonie
I know how you feel with bored eating, done that today ….
You’ve been doing so much..and mind that mud it’s as slippery as ice sometimes
Sue
I’m going to have to stop the gynest cream it’s burning and just got worse and I’ve got so much gas with it inturn giving me ibs. Thought I could get the tissues less thin for the op but maybe try it just twice a week.but I’ll give it a rest for now
Lyn
Hope All going well and not too messy with you and warmer
Further up north here had bad winds,but we were fine just a bit galey, although supposed to be windy next week….they call your storm Gertrude here
Bored stiff at moment eyes too sore to read,supposed to not watch TV before you sleep ,or use iPad becos of its blue light..but I am anyway….it’s 10 pm….can’t sleep..,burning .gassy.. Edgy….put on a few pounds..fed up…I can go on!
Another day tomorrow ….and it gives sunshine
Chris
Chris, glad you stopped the creme. I wouldn’t use it at all if it is burning if I were you but it is of course, your body. You already have so much to deal with. Sorry about your eyes. I’ve been having trouble with mine lately, also. Had to use steroid drops last night just to sleep. Hope you can sleep and wake up to a better day tomorrow. Love ya, Sue
Chris, so sorry you are having so much trouble with the burning. Maybe you are using too much. I think I would give it a break and see if you feel better. IBS too! Bummer! I know all of this has to be tuff on you. I will be praying sweetie.
Jennie, so happy to see you back on. I love the pictures you shared on Facebook! They are such good pictures! You have a very nice looking husband. You two look so good together! Hope everything is okay with you. I am going to share a little of what is going on with me then I will close and chat some more tomorrow. In one of my post I shared that my doctor wants to try me on a different RA medicine. I had to do a TB skin test first. They did that on Wednesday. Had to go back today to get it looked at. It was good! I saw my primary care doctor on Wednesday about the UTI and it was clear. She is concerned I might have a blockage or inflamed ovary. I will have an ultra sound on Tuesday. I am a little worried as several years ago I had to have a Stent put in 2 different times for a blockage. The pain is pretty intense but not as bad as a kidney stone. She also did not like the way my back looks so I am set up to get a PT evaluation on the 9th. I dread that too! My DH is doing great. He keeps passing bits and pieces of the stone they blasted. Not in much pain. I will share more tomorrow. I am sleepy and hurting. Love you all, Donna
DONNA, THINKING ABOUT YOU AND PRAYING FOR ALL TO TURN OUT WELL.
LOVE YOU, XXX
Donna, so much going on but it basically sounds like you’re moving in a positive direction. Just do be aware of any possible side effects of the new medication because the doctors obviously are trying to be cautious. Hope it all helps and the back, hopefully will respond to treatment. Hang in there. I know what it’s like to deal with multiple problems like that. Love, Sue
Hello, everyone! Yes, Tonie, we are getting that blast of cold, but still managing some melting. Next week is a concern. 40’s, one day possibly to 52*. Maybe some rain? The rain could be an issue with flooding. We shall see. Went back to bed after cat feeding last 2 days. Tired again. I guess dealing with the snow is catching up with me. Of course it didn’t help that last night I woke when SB came in from visiting his girlfriend – at 3 AM – then couldn’t sleep. Finally after 6 felt like I could maybe drift off only to have the cats decide it was time to get up and play. DH fed them around 6:30 allowing me to try to sleep. Slept in until 9:30. Much needed. More back pain lately. Guess I’ll have to mention to doc. He’ll probably suggest another round of NSAID (naproxen sodium prescript).
Well, Jennie, a bit of progress?? Sorry for what must surely be a frustration.
Chris, oh darn. So sorry the cream is having those side effects.
Suzanne, I’m exhausted just thinking about what you have ahead in the coming month. Be sure to take care of yourself as best you can!
I’m baking cookies right now I’ve been wanting to try for some time. A bit more effort than I thought, but if they taste good maybe I’ll make once or twice a year… we’ll see. Meanwhile, tonight could be interesting… Take care, all.
OH LYN, SO AM I AND I HAVEN’T EVEN STARTED YET. LET US KNOW HOW THOSE COOKIES TURN OUT.
LOVE YOU XXX
Lyn, it does sounds like the holidays and the weather have caught up with you. When you’re thinking of taking an NSAID…I know how much you’re hurting. Probably will help you to feel better and for certain cut down on the inflammation. I know what you mean about those late night interruptions. Jim has been working a PM shift and gets home late like that and awakens George and I. For those who don’t know that George is our Yorkie that just occurred to me, is an interesting statement. Anyway, hope SB is recovered from all that shoveling.
Do take care and try the meds and get plenty of rest. You go one hundred miles a min. during the holidays each year and need this. Thinking of you with love, Sue
Hi folks just to let u know Jen can’t got on here again
Chris
Tonie
Have I missed summat
Have you fallen ??
Chris
Chris:
Nope I haven’t fallen, she was referring to physical breakdown. Hope you are doing better. stop paying attention to that lying scale, just weigh once a month, year, etc.
love
Tonie
ps I just finished my chocolate ice cream scoop
Sue
A little better today not so burny..it was even making me sore with the bladder
Gas seems a bit better although am taking an antispasmodic
Hope your eyes feel better. I know mine get bad in the winter with the heating but also when they put salt on the roads for the ice it seems to come in the air vents in the car
Donna
You too have a lot going on.is the stent for the cardiac area or you were talking about the gynaecologist area?,how is you daughter ?
Lyn
I too take naproxen ..well supposed to. I used to take voltarol tabs but they said they were dangerous for the heart so naproxen are new to me and I’m hesitating to try them
I think we need to rest beyond when we feel better somehow
Well speaking to Jen later. She’s not too good.will report back how she is
Chris
Chris, if you are having a reaction to the creme, it is probably causing some swelling and with all that equipment down there it could effect your going to the toilet or not and your IBS. It could definitely have an affect on your urinating. Do try to do without it if it’s bothering you, okay? Later, Sue
Hi
Well sue I’m not gonna use it again..got some bladder trouble as well now! Have to see how it goes today if I take a sample in or not
I hope Jim gets his retirement dates sorted so life will be much easier for you both
Jen can get on the blog she just can’t write on It……tries but it seems to go wrong as she types it in and it goes
Well it’s not dawn yet but gonna make a drink and toast too
Chris
Chris, darn that medicine! No more. 😦 Thanks for the updates on Jen. I wonder what the issue is.
Jen, I hope it gets sorted soon! How very annoying.
Well, folks, the cookies are good, but a bit sweet and rather labor intensive. But, we decided I can cut the labor and sweetness by skipping the last step. They are hot chocolate cookies. No, no hot chocolate in them, just that they are chocolate cookies with half a regular sized marshmallow on top. The last step is to drizzle some chocolate icing over the top. We decided we could skip that step. Of course, we decided this AFTER I did it. 😛 The cookies are a thicker dough that you scoop out (I used one of those cookie scoopers like a melon baller or ice cream scoop) even though using one often bothers my hand. You then have to roll them into balls. As you work, the dough kind of comes off on your hands and gets a bit messy. Then you have to flatten them a bit before baking. Well, one batch I forgot to, remembering after they were already in the oven. They turned out ok despite missing the flattening. Anyway, they are tasty, but I won’t be making them often. Either the cookie making or some yoga I did last night aggravated my neck, wrist and hands. Swollen fingers today, sore joints, and at times a cool hand like there might be some swelling that somehow interferes with circulation. Does that sound likely? It is uncomfortable and annoying. But, it got me out of making dinner. 😉 We had a most delicious old world style takeout pizza. Time to rest said hand and wrist. Take care, all!
Lyn, I’m sorry your neck, wrist and hands are bothering you today but your cookies sound delightful. Would you mind sharing the recipe, either here or you can email it to me at KLTexpress@aol.com. Thank you and I hope your pain eases up very soon. Karen
Hi, Karen, this should get you to the recipe I used http://www.christmaskitchen.biz/hot-cocoa-cookies/ I did see another recipe that looked the same, but without the icing, so apparently another felt as we did. 😉 You can do what best fits your taste.
Hello all:
Been busy on here, took me a while to catch up. I have been in and out, flaring and blahing all weekend. I picked up Devie, and Xavier wanted to come as well. He is the 5 year old. So needless to say it was a busy evening and today until the afternoon. and I am falling asleep as I type. Lyn, we had the warm weather yesterday and today, it was 60 today. I opened windows and doors and let the house air out.
Jen, you did get to type in Verbage before it stopped, hang in there, we will be here.
Love ya’all
more tomorrow, I am falling alseeo
Tonie
Chris, no the stent is not heart related. A few years ago I was very sick and throwing up and hurting like I had a kidney stone. It got pretty bad so I had my daughter take me to the ER. It was between Thanksgiving and Christmas and I was in New York for the holidays with my oldest daughter. It turned out to be a narrowing from the kidney to the urethra so they put a Stent in to open it up. I was in the hospital for 5 days and it was the most horrible experience of my life. Once I got home my urologist took the stent out after a few weeks. In April of that year I got sick again and was put in the hospital for pretty much the same thing. The first week they basically just ran tests. The second week back to surgery for another stent. He said surgery to try and fix it wouldn’t really help. They never leave the stent in for very long. Long enough to get the infection cleared up. So since that time I have done very well except for a UTI every once in a while. I was really surprised that nothing showed up as far as a UTI the other day as I can usually tell when I have an infection. Whatever it is kidney or ovary, the pain is still there so I am anxious to see what the ultra sound shows up on Tuesday. I am tired and sleepy so I will let all of you know as soon as I find out. My daughter hasn’t had her MRI on her breast yet. I will let you know about that as soon as I know. Infection is still there. I think she is ready to find a new doctor as she is getting frustrated with this one as I am also. I will write more to the rest of you later. By the way Chris, I was having the same problem Jennie is having a while back. I could get on and read but I would write a long post and try and post it and it wouldn’t let me. It had me putting in all my info in and then wouldn’t post and then I would lose everything. I did this 4 times, she said she did it 14 times. I finally had to redo all my info and put in a new password. So far it is working, knock on wood! Thanks for everyone’s prayers. Love you all, Donna
Donna, I am so worried and sorry to hear your daughter has not received enough help for her infected breast. I agree she should dump this doctor and get proper treatment. Hope that happens soon.
I understand about stints in what I presume was the ureter, or at least one of them.I had one of mine cut by a surgeon during abdominal surgery in 2008. It was just an accident as she had very sharp scalpel and was trying to cut away some of the many adhesions I have in the gut from a tubal pregnancy years ago that ruptured. I had it in for a few weeks and don’t remember it hurting that much, maybe because I was recovering from surgery at the same time. Narrowing of the ureter? Did they tell you why and do they recommend you drink more to keep them open and functioning? Hope life is tolerable for you and praying for you and your daughter. Fondly, Sue
HI ALL, BEEN READING ALL YOUR ENTRIES BUT BEEN DOWN ALL WEEKEND WITH A BUG. SORE THROAT, HEADCOLD, ETC. AND GUT UPSET. GOT IT FROM THE GRANDS. BE BACK IN A DAY OR TWO BUT AS I SAID, READING…THINKING OF EACH OF YOU. LOVE TO ALL…SUE
Donna
That all sounds so painful. I hope Tuesday brings some answers that are easy answers It sounds such a long time for your daughter to have such a sore breast the poor girl
I hope you got some good sleep
I think Jen will wait and see if it sorts itself out and then sign in again. I know she misses posting
Sue
What a bu..er….just what you needed!
Look after you and do all the usual .
Rest .thinking of you
Tonie
Ice cream …yea… I know them scales…but I can feel the tops of my legs putting it on…..but icecream seems a good antidote !
You still sound busy there
Gonna try and dust the tops today. DH has to go to hospital the afternoon to have his ears syringed but more of a small op. He had it done every three months it’s due to wearing an aid all the time
Chris
Chris, surely by now you and DH are resting and hope his ear exam/wash went well. Hope his B/P is holding steady. How about you? You sound like you’re getting ready to cut the calories again. I know you eat well..you must to stay as healthy as you can be for the shape you’re in. Did that make sense? You know what I mean. I’m still coughing up stuff but doing fine otherwise. Back is still bad and will probably always be a condition I have to live with. Just thinking about some of the inevitable can be a bit discouraging but then I read about all of you, look around me, read about my many friends on FB and realize no one is without problems. Think of you often and all you contend with. Appreciate and love you, Sue
I try to make sure I eat well..difficult with all the restrictions. Can’t eat salads easy like no seedy stuff. So it’s really just a little of what we both eat…with dh warfarin diet. Gotta be careful with greens or any change…it’s a minefield,but one Im Used to
Have you managed to start any exercises with how you are feeling?
I expect all the coughing isn’t helping your back…you’ve had a few colds this winter.roll on spring!
Chris
Good morning all:
Sue, poor girl…no wonder I felt to pray for you. Hang in there, them germ carrying rug rats will do it everytime. Donna, hope all is going better, prayers for your daughter and for you. Chris, I have them “thunder thighs’ as well. mine never go away no matter how much weight I loose, always got them thighs. Been a lazy morning, fed the animals, got back in my pjs , more coffee and on the computer. Now I have to get going, go swim, if I can. My back is not happy today.
Have a wonderful day all,
love to all
Tonie
Tonie, my back isn’t happy today, either. 😦 I hope swimming helped. My walk with Sadie didn’t. 😛 No surprise. Take care, friend.
Lyn, I’m sorry to hear this. Have you decided to try the NSAID? Just remember they take time to work on the inflammation. Thinking of you. Love, Sue who still has a sore throat but feeling a bit more human.
Lyn, it didn’t. I had to end up using my cane to get around yesterday. Finally took more meds, settled on the heating pad . Today it is some better. Hope yours is
love ya
Tonie
Tonie, Thanks for the prayers. Dear friend, they are always appreciated and felt. I, fortunately, always get a flu shot and it helps to give me a shorter duration of the flu each time I catch a virus from the store, the air or the grands. I am also one of those people who take oscillococcinum and also a mix of Vitamin C and echinacea. I’m so immuno suppressed, I catch everything. Good thing I stay home so much.
Thunder thighs huh? Some men like those but some pants don’t. Glad you got in a lazy morning. You need a few more of those in your life. If only you could rig up some invention wherein the chickens feed the horses and vice versa. Hope you got your swimming in and didn’t push it too much. I’m so envious. I love swimming but our local pool is a nightmare of chlorine. Can’t take it with my mucosa in the nose and throat.
Hope you’re doing okay with the back but know you have your days. When is the next injection due? Thinking of you. Have to go back to Portland this Wed. to see rheumy and get shots in each hip from the oncologist. Love ya, Sue
Sue;
I love the swim, it helps me physically and mentally. I ordered me some neoprene booties to wear with the swim fins, cause they rub my feet, I ended up using my cane to get around yesterday. I really hate when I get to that point, but what can you do ? Not sure when the next injections are. I told her to schedule me sometime this month. I have started taking zinc, and vit c, cause I was reading it was good for FMS. My fibro has given me such fits with flare ups, and muscle aches this winter. FM was reading up on it, now he understands more what goes on with me, trouble sleeping etc. He likes my thunder thighs lol. My big fat legs, and he likes my legs. Takes all kinds I guess. He gave me a trivia about the US, the Grand Tetons, were discovered by a Frenchman, who when he saw them, was reminded of his womans large breasts. Grand Tetons, means ‘large Breasts ” in French ! I never knew that.
Sorry you have to make that trip after just getting over a bad patch. I know you dread that drive and all the pain it causes.
Always in my thoughts, and prayers
love ya
Tonie
KAREN, please don’t feel apologetic if you mess up answering someone because there isn’t a reply slot. The basic rule on here is that there are no rules except to be civil with each other. We try to be helpful but we’re basically all over the place. We jump into each others comments because we’re interested in anyone and everyone who comes on here and often we each have something to add. It’s good to hear from you in any way you can. What I do is what I am doing now if there is not a reply slot and that is to go down to the bottom where it says leave a reply and do just that. Fondly, Sue
Karen, I second Sue. No worries! 🙂
Sue
Dh bp…..he’s had to come off one of them for balance concern and confusion.at the moment its holding but it won’t be long before it starts going up and another One has to start
He is being referred to look into a coclear implant….or a more modern op a sound bridge…we are not sure but he is relieved there maybe an answer for his hearing. But it could start his menieres up again so it’s a risk
Me …still the same..same probs.polyp playing up.should see someone in a couple of weeks.reflux playing up too
My dad..his memory and obsessions are worse…I tel him about progs he mite like on TV that nite and he keeps ringing to check when it’s on..I tell his carer but he has to ring to check or ask anyway
I do hope this virus has started to clear for you. Especially for your Portland trip.
Lyn
I know these tablets take a time to work..I haven’t started and tried my naproxen yet so Im not sure how it works..my voltarol used to after three days.the cold weather hasn’t helped your back
Tonie
Hope your feeling better.ive lost some weight, fluid I think ,after stopping that oestrogen cream.
Managed to keep the same weight for a month,that’s hard for me…got four pounds to loose by summer.so no rush….I’ll always gave them thighs tho….can’t alter the way it is! Have you used your new perfume yet?
Chris
Congrats on the weight loss, Chris!
Morning all:
Chris, feeling some better today, thanks. I feel asleep on the couch last night, woke up, watched the ending of Color Purple until 12:30, then couldn’t go to sleep until 3 am, up at 7. My goal today is a nap !! Yes, I wore my perfume to church Sunday, I like it very much. Yep, your build is your build ain’t it ? I still have 20 lbs to go , so you are doing fine. Swimming is helping build my muscles, my arms and shoulders especially. My diet these days consists of , toast, yogurt, fruit, whole wheat fig bars, salads and ice cream !! Oh and coffee. Speaking of which, I need another cup.
Take care
Tonie
Tonie, glad you are feeling a bit better today. Wore that perfume to church, eh? So glad you like it. I like to wear perfume myself, but have a very difficult time finding scents I can tolerate. When I find a nice, subtle, fresh one, I do love to enjoy it. 🙂 I have 1 or 2 right now I enjoy. Hearing about your swimming makes me long to get back in the pool myself. Just not sure I can tolerate the temperature of the water or find a time when others aren’t walking cross ways in the pool. I prefer doing laps. I find it very relaxing. Unfortunately, the pool that is heated near me doesn’t have lap lanes. 😦 I would LOVE to have the $ to put in a swim spa. I’d be able to swim AND have a hot tub. Make sure you are getting enough protein, my friend. I know you know this. 😉 I love that your FM loves your legs! 🙂
Lyn, I can usually tolerate scents without musk in them. Light floral. Philosophy has a line called :Amazing Grace. That one is very good, even when you use the lotion as well. I use that one, and another of their line. But, I love Estee Lauders line, and having a perfume is so different than a cologne. It is a much richer smell and stays with you longer. More oils I think. I have been pumping up my proteins since I bottomed out that day. More yogurts, and shakes. I do eat meat, just not that often. Living alone sometimes it is hard to get myself to go to the trouble to cook something. But my eggs are a good source and I had 2 of them on SUnday along with some turkey bacon. I would like to have a swim spa as well. I am fortunate to be able to swim at a heated salt pool where the chlorine isn’t so bad, and it has lap lanes. Got my swim in yesterday. I am slowly adding a lap at a time to get to 40, that is 6 laps over a mile. I love the water, and I do feel so good afterwards.
Take care
Tonie
Karen, I hope you found the link to that cookie recipe I put in reply above. 🙂
Sue, I had an appt with my Rheumy yesterday and failed to ask about the NSAID. Oh geez. I guess I’ll have to call and leave a message with the nurse. I’d like to take naproxen with enteric coating and just not sure that is available OTC. Last year I just took a higher dose of Aleve since I had it on hand. At the end of the 2 week course I was thinking I should have opted for the enteric coated. My blood work came back fine, but my vitamin D was low again, so back to supplements and check again in 3 months. Rough evening at rehearsal last night. My back was a mess. Home, and popped a Soma right away. Still not good today, so took another. Sometimes I can get away with just taking it at bedtime, sometimes I need to take a few doses in a row. Can’t afford to take another after this one until bedtime again, though. I have students today. 😦 Enough of my whining. I’m glad you are feeling a bit better. You’ve been in my prayers.
Lyn, The link work perfectly and I’ve saved the recipe in my favorites list. They sound yummy and I believe I have all the ingredients onhand. I vowed to eat healthier, beginning this month, so I think the cookies qualify if I make them without the frosting. 😄 Karen
Hi all, I am replying at the end of Karen’s post as no regular reply spot. I had my ultrasound this morning and I was called early afternoon to tell me me, my gut had too much gas and the doctor couldn’t see good. So now I will have a CT scan as soon as they get it set up.
Toni, talking about the Fibromyalgia, I didn’t realize how sore my skin is until she started pressing and moving the wand around. I almost cried it hurt so bad. It has been flared up this afternoon and evening. I am going to bed shortly. That is when I get the most relief. Of course we are supposed to get an inch or more rain tomorrow so that isn’t helping! Hope you will feel better soon.
Sue, will be praying for your trip to Portland. Hope it is not too bad.
Chris, Karen and Lyn, hope you all feel better soon. Chris will be praying DH BP is going to get better as they work on getting him the right meds. I think the weather just has all of us in flare ups. Oh how I long for summer! I will let you know about CT scan as soon as I get it done. Love and hugs to all, Donna
Lyn, not sure about naproxen but isn’t Aleve enteric coated? You could stay with that couldn’t you? It’s always a balance as to how much energy and nerve we are burning when we don’t treat our pain…I know. I take NSAID’s and a pain pill that is non-narcotic and still have pain. Small wonder your Vit D was low in spite of those walks you try to take in the sunshine with Sadie because not much of that lately. Sorry about the rough rehearsal. Did you have your stool to lean against? I also take Soma and find it helps to a moderate degree. I do hope you get some help soon, Love, Sue
OH LYN, THOSE COOKIES SOUNDED LIKE I WANTED TO EAT ONE RIGHT AWAY. NOT SURE I COULD MAKE THEM THOUGH WITH MY HANDS THE WAY THEY ARE. SORRY TO HEAR YOU WERE IN SO MUCH PAIN THE NEXT DAY. TAKE GOOD CARE LYN. PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS ARE WITH YOU.
LOVE XXX
Morning all:
Hope everyone is doing well. I am being lazy this morning. But need to get dressed and get going. I have a doggie spa day planned for today. Wash,trim nails and brush teeth. I need to change my bed as well. That should get me good and worn out !
Sue, I hope you are recovering from your trip well, been praying. Donna, I know, I hate when they poke and prod at the trigger points. “does this hurt” ? Heck yeah it hurts, so stop it !! We had a lot of rain yesterday, more than TUesday. I did my swim yesterday, then came home and took my sister out for ice cream for her birthday. We usually go out to eat but poor thing has had all her upper teeth pulled and hasn’t gotten her dentures yet.
I made an apt to see about an injection for my hip on the 11th. I am going to talk to him about Soma or some other muscle relaxer to help me. Lyn I take Vit d3 from Shaklee everyday. Even in the summer when I get all the sun, mine can go low just because of the mtx, so they tell me.
Hope you all have a wonderful day
Love
Tonie
Tonie, Hope you got up and out today since you wanted to. Pleased your swimming is going so well. I agree you about the Vit. D3 and take 2000mcg per day and so does Jim. With all the rain we have we probably should take more.
I am being a lazy bum today, a bum with much pain. I saw the rheumy yesterday and will be having my right shoulder injected as soon as I get the call from one of our local radiologists. THey want to do it under X-ray to be sure it gets into the joint. Both of my shoulders are about gone. I have moved anything in the kitchen down lower and only use the lighter cookware I have. The relapsing polychondritis is eating away on all my joints and today I feel everyone of them plus the shot I got in each hip. The good news is that several of my little tumors are shrinking so the shots are worth the trip and the discomfort of the shot themselves.
I definitely would recommend a muscle relaxant for those times when life makes you overdo. I also use Soma and have for many years, in moderation. Do take care. Glad you and Judy got birthday ice cream. Love, Sue
Hi all
Got my date for hytoscopy end of the month.two days after my scan with dye for my chest nodule then following day have to go with DH for his pacemaker check….so busy few days then!
Had to take tabs for reflux and that makes my ibs worse ..so tabs for that too. only thing is they dry me up so my chest is all raw to breath
Hey ho
Sue
I hope you are ok and resting from yesterday
Tonie
I just had two icecreams one after the other…..on the basis they would help my dryness….hah!
Chris
Chris, yes I am capable of doing nothing but resting. It was a painful trip and wait at the doctor’s offices. There was a lot of walking at the first appt. with a huge office building. Then I had not made note which parking floor Jim was parked on with Georgie and got lost. I felt like an idiot. Thankfully each of us had our phones and he could just come pick me up in front of the office after I walked around two parking structures. Stupid of me. We were running late, rained all the way in and back home. Hope all is as well as can be for you. Glad you have a date for the procedure. Good. Love, Sue
Chris, I am confused about the chest nodule. What is with that? Thinking of you, Sue
Chris;
Take your pleasure !!
love ya
tonie
Sue, I can’t find anywhere on the package that they are enteric coated, so I called my doc. He prescribed naprosyn, but insurance won’t cover the name brand. They said they’d try the generic. I haven’t heard back, so I guess that went through.
Lyn
I think some are enteric coated and some are not
Chris
Lyn, sorry. I don’t take Aleve but the product that was called caplet looks enteric coated. I think you’ll be fine with others if you take it with a bit of food such as milk, yogurt, etc. It’s the quickly dissolving ones you want to watch as you imagine them burning a hole in your stomach. I have tried several NSAID’s over the years and the one that works best for me is Mobic. Good luck. Aren’t the insurances a bit of a pain? I called to get a pain pill filled on Tuesday and since we haven’t filled our deductible for the new year as yet, they quoted me a price for three months of pain pills at $1140.00. Whoa. wake up call for sure. Sue
Yikes!
YIKES INDEED LYN !!!! THAT REALLY DOESN’T MAKE ANY SENSE TO ME. WHAT DO YOU DO IF YOU DON’T HAVE THE MONEY?
XXX
good evening all:
Hope you are feeling some stronger Sue. We always know the day after you have this trip it is going to be bad for you. And in the rain as well.
I cleaned my room today, changed my bed, washed the dogs, cleaned the floors. And had a little dance fest in between cleanings, danced to a disco cd I had playing. Then I sat down and took a nap for a couple of hours., It was very nice. Now I am on my clean sheets and it is nice. Always good in a clean bed.
Take care all, I am going to sleep now.
Love to all
Tonie
WOW TONIE, YOU WERE ON A ROLL THERE GIRL. LOVE SLEEPING IN A CLEAN BED. WASH MY SHEETS OFTEN BUT IT TAKES ME A WHILE TO RE-MAKE CAUSE OF THE PAIN IN MY HANDS AND BACK. HOPE YOU HAD A WONDERFUL SLEEP TONIE. LOVE YA
XXX
Yes Suzanne I did. Yes, the roughest thing for me is making the bed after washing the sheets, then it all has to be folded and put away . I do love the clean sheets though.
Love ya
Tonie
Sue
The nodule was found in a chest scan a year ago.i had the scan for this cough..so they are doing another a year ahead to see its the same size and ok
I do hope you feel a bit better today.it sounds an awful trip this time.we quite often forget where we are parked.i always try when we walk away to remember some feature near us…..but sometimes forget and everything looks the same anyway in these car parks
Thank heavens for our phones !
Well got a cottage pie I made yesterday ….quorn mince with onion and a sauce topped with mashed sweet pot. with Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top. Along with leeks and mushrooms in a white sauce and green spring cabbage. Be my first big meal so better only have a small plate
My dad us playing up every day,always complaining and getting nasty. I think it’s be is he has a new carer coming Monday .but the dementia us getting worse
Chris
Good morning all:
Chris, your pie sounds delicious ! I have never had mince (outside of mince meat pie) but I bet it is yummy. I cannot make myself cook a meal for me, maybe soup or chili beans. I did have a can of Tuna for lunch yesterday, so at least good protein. But I was so full, I had fruit and cheese for supper !! 9and an ice cream , of course).
It got cold again overnight, frost this morning and the old north wind blowing. At least the sun is shining and that is something.
I made an apt to see about getting an injection in my hip for next Thursday, I really need it, really need to do something about this sciatica, but I don’t know what. I am thinking it is probably the disintigrating disc gone worse. So…not sure what else that can be done. I always think of you Sue, with your problems and it keeps me stronger, telling myself to stop whining.
Well, I need to finish my coffee and go swim. I have a lot of things to do while I am out today. Take care all and have a wonderful , blessed day
Love to all
Tonie
Chris, Sorry I forgot about your nodule. I’m sure you mentioned it last year. The pie sounds wonderful, the nodule not so much. It is a solid idea to get it checked out for any growth. As far as mince, we aren’t accustomed to that over here. All of the vegies sound wonderful and I’m a sucker cream sauce and vegies.
I am sorry your Dad is not happy but remember how change of any kind is often difficult for him. Hope the new caregiver works out well right from the start. I’m sure the dementia is causing much anxiety for him as it would for most folks.
I’ll be so relieved for you when you have the procedure done and can get rid of some of your cramping.
Long day here with Jim and I getting up late because he’s working a late shift and I don’t sleep well until he gets home and then we both sleep in. Went to store together then I babysat the grands after school. Still exhausted from trip but not in as much pain today, thankfully. I’ve got to clean the carpets in the hall upstairs thanks to Mr. Gee It’s Raining outside so I won’t got out I’ll pee on the carpet instead. I can’t really use my carpet shampooer until I get this right shoulder a bit better. I don’t even want to think about the back and what it will feel like but it’s pretty stinky in here. Here I am, sharing with the world how awful we are as dog parents.
Do take care. I know you miss going to the coast but spring is not far away. I looked out the hall window today and my huge camellia bush in crimson has started to bloom. Glorious. Love, Sue
Hi sue
The quorn mince is a vegetarian product I use to keep it lowfat for DH .not as good as beef mince but it does ok , have to season it well tho
You do seem to be doing a bit more than before
Poor ol george… Poor ol parents!
We are going to the coast Tuesday..it gives it sunny… the site gets opened up so we will go and check the shed out and have lunch out. But we won’t switch all the water and electricity on yet,till risk if frosts gone
Live Chris
OH CHRIS I FEEL FOR YOU. AUNTY IS THE SAME WAY SHE CAN GET REALLY NASTY WITH ME. I’M GOING TO HAVE TO READ UP ON DEMENTIA. THEY WILL EVALUATE HER IN APRIL. WILL BE INTERESTING? THE SOCIAL WORKER HAS ALREADY TOLD ME SHE SEES SIGNS OF IT. SOMETIMES I FEEL AS IF SHE IS JUST LYING TO ME BUT THEN WHO KNOWS. THINKING OF YOU DEAR CHRIS. THAT COTTAGE PIE CERTAINLY SOUNDS DELICIOUS. XXX
Tonie
I reckon a good whine does you good…
What to do about our aches and pains ,wish they all just vanish with some magic dust sprinkled
You must be losing weight tho tonie….
I like canned tuna with jacket pots
Chris
I’m with Chris, Tonie, you are entitled to a little whine. 🙂 I do hope you can get your shot and that it helps. Cold up here, too. We had some fun snow flurries in the morning. Almost a squall at one point, then the sun came out, but it didn’t really warm up much.
Have a great weekend, everyone!
Chris, not loosing that I can tell. Too much ice cream lol. I have to move a lot to get over the hump. I got my swim in, had my ice cream. Had to go shopping for veggies, and they had dark chocolate ice cream. Well you know I bought it. I made some taco soup, supposed to have hamburger in it, but I left it out. Black beans, corn, tomatoes, peppers and onions. Add some taco seasoning. I cooked it in the pressure cooker very good stuff.
But,in have a problem. Eating all this good food, it gives me major gas. Terrible gas. I went on a probiotic to see if that helps, added gas-ex, nothing helps. Any suggestions ? I don’t mean to be crude but I really need to find a cure.
My FM has been readin up on fms, and he is sending me all sorts of things to do. Make sure, I drink enough, move enough, try to sleep more. He says he wants to make sure nothing happens to me. Sweet, huh Nikki’s is coming over for my birthday Sunday to bake me. Cake. The coconut one my mother always made for me.
Lyn, we are supposed to get snow next Mon, and Tues. oh joy.
Take care all
Love
Tonie
Tonie, I know all that flatulence can be uncomfortable. Do you think the pressure cooking keeps some of the natural vegetable gases from cooking off? All of the vegie soup you made sounds good but each of those vegies is so gas producing, especially the onions and beans. I would suggest taking Beano after any dish containing them. Too much Gas-X can actually make it worse. I like taking a papaya enzyme mix that’s chewable and made by American Health. I now buy it on Amazon but have used it from the health food store for several years now. You might also want to watch your milk, cheese and ice cream intake for gas because many of us as we grow older becoming lactose intolerant and need to chew a couple of lactase. I know I do.
Hope you have a wonderful birthday and enjoy Nikki’s cake she will make. I remembered that’s your fav. Isn’t it sweet that your FM is looking after you from half way around the world. Now that is wonderful. Keep looking for that balance between moving and resting. Much love, Sue
Sue, no milk for me and only the scoop of ice cream at night and sometimes not every night. I will try that papaya and see how it does. I guess it is the age, cause the onions never bothered me before. I eat lots of cabbage as well, so that could be where beano would help. But I was reading and one expert (lol) says beano is not always helpful. I will try some though and see. Thank you for the birthday wishes. Saturday is my day to take it easy. I take my mtns on Fri before bed. I gave away the extra rooster today. Gave him to the man who gave me my starter chickens.
Take care. Glad to see you back on. Hope you are feeling better.
Love ya
Tonie, I’m lying here in bed, unable to sleep because of the pain in my tush from yesterdays shots and thinking about you and your problem. I thought of two other things I have done to prevent gaseous results in food. One is that I have read that black beans cause less of that problem. You can also bring them to a boil and then drain them, then repeat. It helps. The other thing I do is to put a pinch of baking soda into bean soups. Might try it. Love, Sue
Hopping on Sue’s ideas, we have switched to lactose free milk in our house and all of us like it better. SB loves the taste (tastes the same to me) and we don’t get the gas we get from regular milk. It comes in whole, 2%, 1%, and fat free 🙂 I believe you can get lactose free ice cream, too, but I’ve not tried it. I also started taking a probiotics recently. I’ve read some think it can help with reflux as well.
Sue and Lyn
I only use almond milk. I have tried the baking soda before. I didn’t do it for me then, they never bothered me
It is like everything I eat gives me gas.
Welcome to getting older, huh? 😦
Tonie
Well the soup sounds good and tasty ,something I would like. But unfortunately I couldn’t manage the seeds in tomatoes and the corn but it must have smelt good cooking
Maybe tho the beans caused the gas for you
I would take a antispasmodic ..spasmonal I take..For any pain and gas.but the best bet is to see what causes it and keep off it. Bad for me also are the sweeteners they use. I have to look at the ingredients. Some ice creams use them too. It gets difficult when you buy it in scoops and you can’t check it . The best thing for gas is not to keep it in!…unfortunately! Heat and move around with it.
Some say charcoal tablets ..but for me it just has to go on its own along with the antispasmodic and to keep off what causes it
It is difficult on a veg diet ,as such,to choose non gassy stuff. Would changing to more fish and chicken help for a bit …
To have someone care for you that much is wonderful. He is quite a find …
And also to have your daughter bake a cake for you magic..and HAPPY BIRTHDAY .
I hope not too much of the white stuff cones next week
Love Chris
It’s strange how I feel lactose doesn’t affect me..when others sugars ending with tase or tose do.
Maybe it does in some smaller way for me…worth thinking about there
Chris
Chris
I think even the water I drink gives me gas these days. Yes I know it is better to let it go….but not very nice if you are courting ! The dogs give me dirty looks. I tell them I am sorry
Tonie
I know it’s awful for you …..why not ask the Dr .may be a reason we hadn’t thought
Chris
Just thought maybe it’s becos you’ve been on a diet for a time now…and I wonder if it would be good to go on soft food ..you know scrambled eggs ..chicken for a few days see what happens .may work
Love Chris
Howdy all
Had a restful morning. Caught the rooster and gave him away. Went to pick up Nathan, it is his turn to stay. The little one wanted to come, but not up to that today. No call from my FM this weekend, he is off to the mountains hiking til tomorrow. He gets with a group and they go. Can’t you see them sitting around the camp fire with a bottle of red ? Lol. He sent his birthday wishes for me in this mornings email.
Nathan and are watching The Quiet Man. He likes old movies. Had my half sandwhich and coffee and now a nap I think. Hope you are all having a good day
Love Tonie
Tonie, hope tomorrow is a birthday worth remembering. Maybe the methotrexate will kick in more by then. Glad you got greetings from France.
As far as the Beano, we have liked and used if for a long time. If all of these things don’t work, considering the richness of ice cream, etc. I’m afraid you might want to ask the doctor to check out your gallbladder. I know, not a good thought but it seems as if it has just popped up, this problem, in recent times. Just a thought.
We love the Quiet Man film here. We have the anniversary edition because Jim loves it so much. Resting here today after a busy day yesterday, also my methotrexate day and have a roast in the oven to serve with potatoes, carrots, etc. Jim’s at the jail making rounds. We had a policeman killed yesterday in our neighboring town of Seaside. He was only 39 and a nice guy. So sad. No rain today. Later, Love, Sue
Sue, I have no gallbladder. I has been gone for 7 years now (as of Christmas Eve0. I will pick me up some Beano today and see if it helps. I only eat bread, usually , in the morning. 2 pieces of toast., some crackers with my salad at night. So not a lot of carbs. Maybe , I just need to balance them out more. IDK !!! One thing I did do, I was using an insulated glass to drink out of that has a straw in it. I read that this will increase your gas, so stopped that one. Actually it did bring it down some. Hope you enjoyed your roast. Sundays, with roast , I remember them, or fried chicken. Always on sunday cause you couldn’t afford it the rest of the week.
Take care’Love
Tonie
Happy Birthday, Tonie! Glad you got your birthday email. 😉 Yes, I can see the hiking, campfire and red. Would love to join them. 🙂
Thanks Lyn, he said they had a great time. 7 of them went. I can’t wait til he and I can go up in my mountains here and camp.
Happy birthday …tonie
Have a good day
Chris
THank you CHris, it was a wonderful day !