** Due to the increasing severity of MY ILLNESS, it has become impossible for me to continue to post on a regular basis. Unfortunately, as much as I desperately long to, I am also unable to visit each of your blogs often or reciprocate all the loving, supportive comments many of you continue to leave - even though at times it may appear as though you've arrived at some long ago, forsaken blog! With that said, I really want you to know that I miss every single one of you and that I really am still here! I'm just too sick and too weak most days to be able to sit up long enough to create a brand new post...or even read one. However, I absolutely do receive AND read every new encouraging word you leave (and, often, the old ones, again and again!) and I cherish them now more than ever! I truly appreciate your love, support, and, most importantly, your precious time spent on your knees in prayer for my family and me. It ALL means the world to me and I am truly blessed to have friends like you! ~Hugs and Sister Love, Teresa
FYI: All comments come to my email, which I can easily read on my phone. I also enjoy Facebook on my phone because I can catch up on A LOT in a very short time there. Soooo, if you're on Facebook, come 'friend' me there! {{HUGS}} **
Today is a very special day and I wanted to share it with all of you. It is the birthday of one of the nearest and dearest people to me in the whole wide world, my baby sister, Melissa. Melissa and I are only 19 months apart. I definitely look like the youngest, but she is, indeed, my younger sister. :0) LOL!
My only sister and I have shared so many things in our lives, a ton of very good things and a lot of really bad stuff, too. We have definitely not always gotten along; just ask our parents - or our husbands! Instead of being best buddies when we were little, we tended to 'fight like cats and dogs', as our Mama would always say. As we moved into our 'tween and teenage years, Melissa desperately wanted to follow me around wherever I went. She wanted to do everything my friends and I were doing but I wanted nothing to do with her! At least not when my friends were around. There was just enough age difference between us that it was simply 'not cool' to have her tagging along. Sometimes our parents made me take her and sometimes I got my way and she had to stay behind. So what do younger sisters do when they get left behind and want to get back at their big sisters? They tattle about every little thing! Yep, that is exactly what they do. They become snitches for the parents. However, I would not learn this until I became an adult. Melissa was a very good snitch, too! I always wondered how my parents found out every single time I did something I was not supposed to be doing!
Even as adults we have not always agreed and there have been many times we have not gotten along during certain circumstances. However, I have always, always known that she is there for me. I've never doubted that. Melissa and I both have been through some extremely major trials and tribulations as adults. We've both endured things some people can't even imagine and will never, ever deal with in their whole entire life. Despite all our differences, I have ALWAYS known she is in my corner. I know that no matter what, I can depend on her when the chips are down. She has always been here for my family and me through thick and thin. She has generously given of her self, her time, her money and anything else I have ever needed. She is THE very definition of a sister and a friend. I don't know what I would do without her in my life and I hope I never have to figure it out. She is part of the rock that is my family. We are close and we are solid. A lot of people don't have that but I am extremely blessed that I do.
Melissa, I hope that today is an amazing birthday for you and I pray that this next year is filled with nothing but joy, sunshine and wonderful blessings from the Lord above.
I love you, sis!
(This was the best picture I could find of us when we were little. I decided to do this at the last minute so I didn't have much time. This was us at our childhood church. I'm thinking this is probably on Easter Sunday, in dresses handmade by our Granny.)
The song I chose today is one that has had very special meaning to me for a very long time. I went back to look at it yesterday and it just seemed to fit how I'm feeling at this point in my life. I hope you enjoy it. It has a very powerful message.
I am really looking forward to being back with you all very soon. I am still trying to recuperate and get back in the swing of things...well, at least as much as I usually am. 8^) I hope you ALL have a blessed weekend!
The creator of this meme is Amy at Signs, Miracles and Wonders. Please take a moment to check out her blog. It is great!
This is an unusual 'Thankful Thursday' but I need to do it a little different this week. As most of you know, I was just released from the hospital earlier this week after being confined 8 days due to a very serious bacterial infection. I am still extremely weak and not able to be up and on the computer hardly at all. However, I wanted to let each of you know how much I appreciate the love and support shown to my family and me as we've endured yet another trial over the last couple of weeks. I don't know what we would do without you all. The Lord has surely blessed us with an amazing family and truly incredible friends....and I count each one of my blogging buddies as my friend!
As soon as I am able, I will be posting again and I will let you know in more detail about what went on during my hospital stay. Until then, I humbly ask that you keep me in your prayers as I work to regain my strength and heal from this illness. Thank you all so very much.
BTW, please join Alyssa at TRUTH 4 THE JOURNEY to see what others are thankful for today.
Hello to all! This is Teresa's 'Guest-blogger' (and husband), D. You might have noticed that she's been, well - invisible - during Invisible Illness Awareness Week. Teresa was admitted to the hospital once again this past Monday, September, 14th, after developing symptoms that had us thinking she might be septic again; and, unfortunately, we were correct.
In the interest of time...and my total lack of experience at this sort of thing...I will save all the details for a real blog-post later. Mostly, I just wanted to keep everyone informed and ask for your prayers. It is possible that she will be going home early in the week (hopefully, tomorrow). If so, SHE will be the one to bring everyone up to date soon. However, don't be too disappointed if you see me updating you as she recovers from this past week.
We truly would appreciate it if you joined us in praying that she really does go home tomorrow, that she has the most speedy recovery possible and that the doctors find the reason behind the repeated visits for this sort of thing.
Thanks to you all for your support, thoughts and prayers!!
This is a comment those with invisible illnesses hear quite often. The person saying this may mean for it to sound like a compliment. However, to someone who is really sick and in a lot of pain, yet their illness appears invisible to others, that 'compliment' may seem as though the giver does not understand or acknowledge what they are going through.
There are many examples of invisible illnesses such as Crohn's Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Epilepsy, Fibromyalgia, Spinal Disorders, Lupus, Lyme Disease, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Cardiac Abnormalities, Brain Disorders, Sjögren's Syndrome, Hyperhidrosis, Autism, Diabetes, Scleroderma and many, many others. People with these illnesses and disorders may look 'normal' or 'well' but are often very seriously ill and/or in a lot of pain.
I'm often asked, 'How are you doing?' or 'How are you feeling today?' I used to try and explain how I was feeling and what my current state of health was, but it has just gotten to be too complicated. So now I will usually say, 'I'm hanging in there.' I've found it is the best answer and usually satisfies most people who don't really want to know all the details anyway.
In anticipation of National Invisible Illness Awareness Week, coming up next week, a poll was conducted of people who have an invisible illness. Participants were asked how they respond to this 'compliment that pulls at the heartstrings'. Here are the top 54 responses of the 1200 people who responded:
(Be sure to add your own at the bottom in the comments section!)
I am hangin’ in there…
I am so blessed. God is so good.
Drugs are a wonderful thing
I have my good days and I have my bad days.
I clean up well.
I have my ‘good’ days….but this isn’t one of them!
Thanks, I wish I felt better.
That’s a perfect example of how you can never judge a book by it’s cover.
Thanks, but there are many aspects of MS which you don’t see … would you like to know more about it?
That’s what most people think since pain can’t be seen most of the time. Have you heard about Invisible Illness Week? It’s really helpful to let people now that most illness is invisible.
I’m trying to appreciate that fact. I know the day may come when I have to use a wheelchair or a cane, and my illness will be more visible.
You should be on the inside.
Thanks. I have more to be grateful for than I have to complain about - which means I have a LOT to be grateful for!
Well I guess I did good job on my makeup, because I am having a hard time to tell the truth.
…And that’s all that really matters, isn’t it?
Powder and paint, make you what you ain’t!
It took a lot of work to look like this.
It’s God shinning through me.
It’s nice of you to think so, but you’re missing the pain and agony that I really am in.
And you look so wise. Looks can be deceiving though, huh?
I’m having a “good face” day.
Yeah. My kid thinks it’s cool I’m an ill person working under-cover!
I do a great job hiding how I really feel. My life is still very challenging and probably will always be, but I am hanging in there, keeping a positive faith, and gratitude as THE attitude. Thanks for their concern.
I’m trying my best to do well OVER my circumstances. instead of being under them!
It’s up and down.
I’m still struggling, but it IS nice to have a day when I am able to pull myself together and make it out of the house!
I’m not complaining about my looks.
I’m very good at pretending.
Good, because if I looked like I feel it would scare you to death.
Actually, I still am really hurting…
I am 36 years old outside but 85 inside.
Thank you. I’m on my way to the Oscars.
Thanks, I’m grateful for this good day.
Things aren’t always what they seem.
Praise God, I’m glad that He enables me to look so much better than I feel.
I am upright which is better than the alternative.
Thanks, want to swap bodies for a few days?
Thanks, I guess I am fortunate that I have an illness that can’t be seen.
Thanks. I like good days.
Want to step inside my skin?
It’s amazing what a shower can do. I guess I am all cried out for now.
Thanks…I wish I felt it!
I’m not complaining about my looks.
I’m very good at pretending.
Looks can be deceiving. (and smile)
Thank God for makeup!
Thank you for caring. I try to act like I feel better than I really do.
Thanks, I am trying to, even though it will never go away. I just try to remember things could be worse.
I’d be great if it wasn’t for the pain.
I’d complain but who wants to listen.
If I can’t feel good, at least I am determined to look good!
I’m in good shape for the shape I am in!
If you have an invisible illness, what do you say? Or what would you say if you could say anything?
This list is compliments of National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week at www.invisibleillness.com, based on a survey of over 1200 respondents.Get involved in Invisible Illness Week each year during September, including our 5-day virtual conference online.
Over the long Labor Day weekend, I was honored with not one but three awesome blog awards! Considering how incredibly poor I've been feeling and how bad this last week has been, it was really nice to receive so much bloggy love!
The first two awards were given to me by my friend at The Redhead Riter. She is such an awesome and sweet lady and I really enjoy her blog.
The first award is the 'YOU ADD SUNSHINE TO MY DAY' award. I am giving it to ALL THEBLOGGERS BELOW who have been tagged and selected to receive the next two awards because they ALL add sunshine to my day. Please grab it and pass it along to those bloggers who add sunshine to your day!
* Each Superior Scribbler I name today must in turn pass The Award on to 5 most-deserving Bloggy Friends. * Each SuperiorScribbler must link to the author & the name of the blog from whom he/she has received The Award. * Each Superior Scribbler must display The Award on his/her blog, and link to This Post, which explains The Award. *Each Blogger who wins The Superior Scribbler Award must visit This Post and add his/her name to the Mr. Linky List. That way, we'll be able to keep up-to-date on everyone who receives This Prestigious Honor! *Each Superior Scribbler must post these rules on his/her blog.
I'm passing this award along to the following Superior Scribblers:
The Splash Award is given to alluring, amusing, bewitching, impressive and inspiring blogs.
The Rules are:
* Put the logo on your blog/post. * Nominate and link up to 9 blogs which allure, amuse, bewitch, impress or inspire you. * Let them know that they have been splashed by commenting on their blog. *Remember to link the person from whom you received your Splash Award.
The Splashy Blogs I am passing this one on to are:
There are SOOO many blogs I love and enjoy. It was truly hard to pick. While I LOVE to get these awards, I spent way more time on this than I needed to or felt like. I'm not sure I will do this again in the future. I may just do as Joan suggested and accepted them with much thanks but that is it. I just do not have enough energy to do otherwise most days. I am still working on my Dysautonomia Series. I just had no idea it would take so long to write about my life with this illness. I should have realized but I didn't. I hope to start posting it really soon. Thanks to everyone for your patience. I hope you all are having a great week. Many Blessings.
I found this very special meme when Marina at Energizer Bunny Mommy Reports so kindly mentioned my daughter and me when she chose her song for 'Then Sings My Soul Saturday'. Marina is one very special lady!
The song I chose for today I am dedicating to my cousin, and one of my very best friends, Anita. She is an amazing lady and I love her very, very much! Anita just lost her husband, Ramon, after a very valiant battle with cancer. Anita is a an incredible singer and has sung to me since I can remember. In the early days when she started singing at church and at other functions she used to love to sing Sandi Patty's songs. The one I chose for today is one that I remember her singing and I think is very appropriate for today. I hope you enjoy it.
Anita, you are in my thoughts and prayers today. I love you very, very much!
The creator of this meme is Amy at Signs, Miracles and Wonders. Please take a moment to check out her blog. It is great!
(ETA: I accidentally deleted this post and had to recreate it. I hope I included most of what I had in the initial post.)
I'm sorry I haven't posted in the last few days. I had promised to start a new series this week that described my entire life with Dysautonomia, basically from the cradle until now. Unfortunately, I have not been able to get that completely finished and ready to post yet. I have not felt well at all this week, mostly due to excruciating back pain I've been experiencing. I've had an especially hard time just getting out of bed and getting to the bathroom. It hurts just to move. I have started taking some medication for it but it doesn't seem to be helping. If it is not better by Monday, I will go see my doctor. I have a history of degenerative disk disease and a couple of herniated disks. I know what to do for that but this doesn't seem to be the same thing, or at least not in the same location. Regardless, I have decided to give it a little more time and then I will go in and see what is up. *sigh*
In addition to that, yesterday morning my husband took our youngest daughter, Rebekah, to The Sibley Heart Center in Atlanta for testing to confirm whether or not she has the same disease that I have. She has been having many of the same symptoms that I have for quite some time now. She had already completed lots of testing including an EKG, an ECHO, a 30 Day Event Monitor, a TON of blood work, etc. Then yesterday they did the Tilt Table Test......
With all the results in hand, the Cardiologist and an Electrophysiologist at Sibley confirmed what we had suspected. They said based on her family history, her symptoms that have lasted for so long and the results of all her tests, they are confident she DOES indeed have Dysautonomia. She will go back for a follow-up with her cardiologist in about 6 weeks.
This truly breaks my heart for her. I had prayed they would find the cause for her symptoms but I was really hoping and praying this would not be the outcome. I hate so badly to see her have to go through any of the things I've endured over the last 2 years. I would not wish it on my worst enemy. I guess if there is anything positive about this whole thing it is that we know a lot about it and what to expect. Bekah is really a head strong girl and does not intend to let this stand in her way. Thankfully, she has never passed out, though she has had to sit down very quickly to keep from doing so. She has been able to maintain a fairly normal schedule and function on a somewhat normal basis. I'm really praying that she will be able to continue on with a normal life as much as possible. Her biggest obstacle right now is the major fatigue she battles almost daily. It really hinders a lot of the things she wants and needs to do. She is having a little trouble balancing school, marching band season and the rest of her everyday life because everything makes her so tired. She comes home and really just wants to go straight to bed, but she still has a mountain of homework left to do. She is carrying a pretty full load of advanced and gifted classes and it has proven to be a fairly tough semester so far. She is doing very well grade wise but her body is trying to reject it left and right.
I would really appreciate it if you would keep Bekah in your thoughts and prayers as we continue down this road with her. I hope and pray with all my heart that she will improve as she continues to grow and mature into an adult. Typically, young girls who have this disease during adolescenceAND develop full-blown symptoms, often continue to have symptoms into their late teens and early 20s but then will often improve dramatically and go into remission. I am really praying that Bekah will be one of those girls! I do NOT want to see her continue to suffer with the things like I have. I want her to feel better really soon and to go on to college and enjoy those years. I don't want her to be tied down with this and limited in what she can do. It breaks my heart to think about it. I would truly covet your prayers where this is concerned.
Well, I intended for this to be a quick post to update you on what is going on but as usual, I blabbered on and on. I will try to wrap it up now. I just want to leave you with a couple of prayer requests. In addition to Bekah's illness, please pray for my cousin and my very close friend, Anita, and her husband, Ramon. Ramon has brain cancer. He has had it for a few months now and they have just recently placed him in the care of hospice. A couple of days ago, they had to move him from their home into a skilled facility so they could better manage his pain. He is definitely not doing well and it is only a matter of time. As you can imagine, this has been a very difficult time for Anita. Not only is she dealing with her husband's terminal illness but last week was the one year anniversary of her mom's sudden, unexpected death. She has been through so much this past year and it hurts my heart so much to see her have to experience the death of someone else that means so much to her. Please keep her, Ramon and their families close in your prayers if you will.
Thank you so much for continuing to visit my blog. I know I'm certainly not the best writer and I don't have the world's greatest blog, but I sure do enjoy all your visits and the sweet comments that you all have to offer. You bring a lot of much needed joy to my life and smiles to my face each time I read your comments. Thank you for coming back again and again. I truly appreciate it. I hope you all have a wonderfully blessed weekend! See ya soon!
UPDATE: Anita's husband, Ramon, passed away about 1:oo a.m. Saturday, September 5th. Please keep our family and Ramon's family in your prayers.
As promised, I am using this week to start a new series about my illness, Dysautonomia. In anticipation of Invisible Illness Awareness Week, I am going to start the week off by completing this 'meme' created by Lisa Copen, founder of Invisible Illness Awareness Week. She is encouraging anyone with an invisible illness to complete the meme and then post it on their blog, Facebook page, email, etc. Once you have done that, then go to the Invisible Illness website, HERE, and leave a comment that includes a link to your post. On September 5th, there will be two people selected to win a PRIZE out of those who have commented!
1. The illness I live with is: Dysautonomia with Reflex Syncope - This means there is a dysfunction of my autonomic nervous system that causes me to pass out very frequently, especially if I stand suddenly or for more than a few minutes, often just seconds.
2. I was diagnosed with it in the year: 2007
3. But I had symptoms since: Adolescence
4. The biggest adjustment I’ve had to make is: that I'm homebound and mostly bedridden. I am no longer able to enjoy most of life's basic activities.
5. Most people assume: that if I'm sitting up, talking, smiling or carrying on a conversation that I'm 'feeling better' physically. Doing any of those things are very hard anytime of the day or night for me now. I struggle just to talk sometimes.
6. The hardest part about mornings are: waking up and trying to move. I must take medications before I can even get out of bed. After that, I must rest for a while and let them take effect before I am able to get up. Then, I must have assistance getting dressed, getting down the stairs and into my recliner where I will stay ALL DAY!
7. My favorite medical TV show is: none really. I don't watch these much anymore. It reminds me too much of things I can't do any longer. I worked in the medical field for nearly 20 years and now, because of my illness, I can't.
8. A gadget I couldn’t live without is: probably my laptop because it is my sole connection to the outside world except through my family. I also must have my wheelchair in order to get around most days.
9. The hardest part about nights are: the excruciating pain I often endure and my constant struggle with insomnia. I am always exhausted even if I sleep a few hours.
10. Each day I take __ pills & vitamins. Let's just say it's a lot and leave it that!
11. Regarding alternative treatments I: am relying on my team of doctors to advise me best on what to do.
12. If I had to choose between an invisible illness or visible I would choose: to leave it to the Lord. This isn't a choice I would make. They are both equally tough, I suppose.
13. Regarding working and career: I am now completely disabled. Amazingly, I was approved for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) on my very first application. I applied last December and was approved in February of this year. The sweet lady who took my application over the phone said she was going to try to get it 'expedited' and she did not lie! All-in-all, it took a total of about 6 weeks - a complete God thing! I do, however, miss being a Paramedic sometimes, but I am very thankful for what I do have.
14. People would be surprised to know: that being able to sit at home all day, every day, is not all it's cracked up to be. 'Bed-rest' is NOT fun after about the first week!
15. The hardest thing to accept about my new reality has been: not being able to participate in the lives of my family like I used to. I do not like sitting on the sidelines - or, actually, NOT sitting on the sidelines!
16. Something I never thought I could do with my illness that I did was: start this blog!
17. The commercials about my illness: do not exist. :0(
18. Something I really miss doing since I was diagnosed is: pretty much everything, especially the things my family does. It is not easy being stuck at home all the time.
19. It was really hard to have to give up: control. God has that. Well, at least I keep giving it to Him on a daily basis.
20. A new hobby I have taken up since my diagnosis is: message boards and blogging.
21. If I could have one day of feeling normal again I would: have just a normal day with my family. I would chose a Friday and go to the football game where I would watch the girls march and I would cheer from the top of the bleachers!
22. My illness has taught me: how truly blessed I am! It has taught me to not take anything in life for granted and that my husband really does love me unconditionally.
23. Want to know a secret? One thing people say that gets under my skin is: 'You look really good, so you must be better.' OR 'You are not in the bed, so you must be better.'
24. But I love it when people: ask questions about my illness out of a genuine desire to know more about it and to understand how I truly feel.
25. My favorite motto, scripture, quote that gets me through tough times is: Scripture from Jeremiah 29:11 11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
26. When someone is diagnosed I’d like to tell them: to learn as much about their illness as possible and be their own advocate! I would also tell them they are not alone. Find other people who have their same illness to encourage them. Find support through their local community support groups, internet support groups, message boards, etc. You do not have to go it alone. Above all, trust in the Lord to see you through! People will let you down but He will NEVER let you down!
27. Something that has surprised me about living with an illness is: how many people try so hard to determine how I 'caught' this disease and/or how I should 'treat' it or how the doctors should be treating me.
28. The nicest thing someone did for me when I wasn’t feeling well was: This just can't be limited to just one person or occasion! There have been so many people who have sent notes, called and come to visit. Others who have made us dinner, brought flowers, cleaned our house and helped in our yard. The stories about these things are endless and I am forever grateful!
29. I’m involved with Invisible Illness Week because: I desperately want people to know that just because an illness is not seen does not mean it does not exist or is not as intrusive as a visible one. There is so much people don't understand about these illnesses and that is why awareness is important.
30. The fact that you read this list makes me feel: honored that you cared enough to do so.
Find out more about National Invisible Illness Awareness Week and the 5-day FREE virtual conference with 20 speakers September 14th-18th, 2009 at www.invisibleillness.com.
I will be blogging more about my specific illness later this week as promised! Thanks so much for taking time to read this. I really appreciate it. See ya soon!
This is my personal blog where I share about my life and personal walk with Christ, as I deal with a very rare and debilitating illness called Dysautonomia/POTS. I hope to educate and help spread awareness about the disease, while keeping my friends and family up-to-date on all that is going on with my family and me.
You may click on the 'ABOUT ME' link at the top of this page to learn more details.
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