STAYCATION!! WOOT!!

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Hi Friends,

I just wanted to touch base and let you all know that I am still alive! I'm so sorry I have not been able to post in such a long time. I've had an especially hard time with my illness lately, even more so than usual, and I've been almost completely confined to my bed since before Christmas. Before my symptoms worsened, I was usually able to make it downstairs with assistance and stay in a recliner most of the day. However, I've only been able to make it downstairs to our family room two or three times since Christmas and I definitely haven't felt like spending much time on the computer. I sure have missed you all, though! I just haven't had any strength to put into blogging, or even reading blogs for that matter. Plus, there have been SO many things going on in my life and in the lives of my family.

A few things include: 1) My husband working 70+ hours a week, including several weekends (without being paid any overtime because of his position in the company) since the beginning of the year, only to learn he was being furloughed for the 2nd time in less than 4 months, with absolutely no notice. 2) My dad falling and fracturing both bones in his lower leg, which required surgery to pin it all back together. 3) Shortly after my dad's accident, the very unexpected death of his brother. This came, as you may remember, only about 8 months after my dad's 96 year old mother, my very precious grandmother, passed away. Needless to say, it has been a very hectic and stressful time for us all, but being sick and confined to my home and bed definitely seems to make dealing with these kinds of things so much more difficult.

With all that said, David and I have decided to take advantage of a few days this week to enjoy him being home. He and I have decided to spend some much needed time with just each other. It has been a VERY long time since we have done so. Since I'm not really able to travel right now and we definitely do not have the money to spend on even one night at the Motel 6 down by the interstate, we have decided to have our own little stay-cation right here at home. We will be 'off the electronic/communication grid', so to speak, for the next few days. I am SO excited at the thought of NO phones, No iPods, NO computers......NO interruptions!! I would really appreciate it if you would please pray with us that I will feel well enough to enjoy it. :0)

I hope you all are doing well and I hope to start chatting with you all and visiting your blogs again really soon! Until then, I pray each of you have a wonderfully blessed week!

{{HUGS}}


P.S. I HAVE to tell you all about something amazing that has been happening!! About a month or so ago, I started receiving tons of cards in the mail every day! I'm not sure who initiated it, but I have received loads of Encouragement cards, Get Well cards, Thinking of You cards, etc. I was also blessed with an enormous amount of Valentines and Birthday cards, too!! As of last count, I had received roughly 160 cards in just over a month! And, I still have some that have been opened and read, but not yet added to that count.

This has truly been such an amazing and timely blessing! The Lord definitely knew how much I needed these precious little gifts of sweet, encouraging words that I get to read each and every day. They serve to remind me that there ARE lots of people out there who think about me, love me and pray for me, even though I don't get to see them very often. There are even strangers all over the U.S. AND in other countries who are sending cards and praying for me. How awesome is that?!? I can not begin to thank each ANGEL who has taken precious time out of their busy life to send me a little piece of love and encouragement through a beautiful card(s). Each one has truly been a great big blessing during such a terrible storm in my life!! Bless you, bless you, bless you!

Speaking of cards, I have to say a very special thank you to my dear friend, Teresa, at Grammy Girlfriend and A Baby Changes Everything. Long before all these other cards started arriving, she had been sending me really sweet, really gorgeous encouragement cards. For a long, long time, I received one from her EVERY SINGLE DAY! Plus, they are not only beautiful and sweet cards, but she always covers the envelope with some kind of stickers....and I don't mean one or two. She COVERS them with really pretty stickers, front and back. (My favorite were the nutcrackers at Christmas! I collect those, so they really made my day!) To this day, I still receive one from her at least once a week. She is such an amazing friend and blogger. You should really check her out!








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QUICK UPDATE

I'm sorry for my absence over the last few days. I have been quite sick with some kind of mean sinus/gastrointestinal bug and I still don't feel well at all. It has made me very, very weak and I have been absolutely useless. (Yep, more weak and more useless than usual! That's a tough thing to do!) *sigh* However, I wanted to update you really quick on my mom since I asked you to pray for her.

First of all, let me just say that we thank each and every one of you who have been praying for her and/or those who have left sweet encouraging comments. We truly appreciate it more than you can imagine. As I told you on Sunday, the doctors were able to rule out anything related to her GI tract but they did diagnose her with Pneumonia. She was given IV antibiotics and breathing treatments from the time she was admitted to the hospital on Saturday until her release yesterday (Tuesday) afternoon. Thankfully, she is home now and is feeling a lot better than she was on Saturday but she is definitely not well just yet. We would greatly appreciate your continued prayers for her.

Again, we are truly thankful for all the support and all our prayer warriors out there. We thank the Lord for you.

I hope to post again soon, but until then, I hope you have a wonderfully blessed week.

Teresa

DAY of VISIBILITY

Today, June 6th, is the Day of Visibility for those with an Invisible Illness. It is a day to embrace and uplift all people living with an invisible illness and let them know they ARE seen and cared for! The term invisible illness refers to any medical condition that is not outwardly visible to others, sometimes even the most highly trained healthcare professionals. Invisible illnesses encompass a broad range of conditions, including, but not limited to, heart conditions, asthma, diabetes, psychiatric illnesses, autoimmune disorders and even cancer.

For the Day of Visibility I have chosen to re-post the following questionnaire that I did last September for Invisible Illness Awareness Week. I know many of you read it back then but I hope you will take a moment to do so again. Also, if you live with or know someone with an invisible illness, I hope that you will give them a gentle hug or call/email them today to let them know that you DO 'see' them AND their illness and be sure to tell them how much you care. It means more than you can possibly know to hear those words.

30 THINGS ABOUT MY INVISIBLE
ILLNESS YOU MAY NOT KNOW

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 any time 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 several 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 - if I'm able to get down there at all!

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. I NEVER sleep more than 1-2 hours at a time without waking up.

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 and have been on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for about a year and a half. I was approved the very first time I applied, which was a complete God-thing, and I am very, very grateful. However, I truly miss working in the medical field. I did so for almost 20 years and I really miss it a lot!

14. People would be surprised to know: that sitting 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! I would trade this for just about anything!

15. The hardest thing to accept about my new reality has been: not being able to be out and about, participating in the lives of my family. I really miss seeing all they do and being a part of it.

16. Something I never thought I could do with my illness that I did was: start this blog and make so many internet friends! There are many who have been such a wonderful source of strength, love and encouragement.

17. The commercials about my illness: do not exist because it is so rare. :0(

18. Something I really miss doing since I was diagnosed is: pretty much everything, especially all the things that involve my family. 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: Blogging, Facebook and message boards. I also really enjoy buying and selling on Craig's List with the help of my husband. We have gotten some really good deals.

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 so I could go to the football game where I would watch my youngest daughter march and I would cheer from the top of the bleachers! After the game, I would go out to dinner with my entire family and then spend the rest of the night out on the town!

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 really gets under my skin is: 'But you SO good, you must be getting 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 the 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 never fails!

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. I also constantly hear how I should go to another doctor and another until I find someone who can make me well. *sigh*

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 and/or gifts, called and come to visit me. 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 truly forever grateful!

29. I’m involved with Invisible Illness Week because: I want to bring much more awareness to my particular illness. Plus, 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 do not understand about these illnesses and that is why awareness is important.

30. The fact that you read this list makes me feel: honored and very grateful that you cared enough to take the time to do so. I truly appreciate it, more than you'll ever know!

P.S. For those of you who have been praying for my mom, I wanted to let you know she is still in the hospital and is doing fairly well. All the tests they have done so far have ruled out anything related to her GI tract. However, they still have stool cultures pending. They are also doing a whole host of test that have nothing to do with the GI tract. They have already diagnosed her with Pneumonia and are administering breathing treatments every few hours. She is in a good bit of pain which they think is from the Pneumonia. I just spoke with her not too long ago and she sounded pretty good. She was a little loopy from the meds but otherwise she was in good spirits. We really appreciate your kind words of encouragement and all of your prayers and would really appreciate it if you continued to lift her up in prayer. Thanks so very much!

Teresa

AN UPDATE AND A THANK YOU!

First of all, I want to say a great big thank you to everyone for their awesome support last week. I truly appreciate all the wonderful words of encouragement and the many prayers lifted up to the Lord on my behalf. They were truly a blessing to me and my family. I was definitely very, very sick and, as the week wore on, I became quite scared that I was not going to make it to Morgan's graduation. However, on Friday, I was feeling a wee bit better and a couple of things lined up just right that made it possible for me to go. So, even though I was still quite sick, I made it to see my daughter graduate from High School! Hallelujah!

Unfortunately, though, that took everything I had in me and left me with absolutely no reserves. Sadly, I was unable to attend her graduation party on Saturday. I was just not physically well enough to make it. However, I DID make it to her graduation and I am so thrilled and very thankful that I was able to see her walk with her class to receive her diploma! I had to make a choice and that was definitely most important to me.

I had planned to write a little more about Morgan's graduation and party and include pictures but I just don't have enough energy today. Plus, I don't have the pictures we took just yet. My youngest daughter has them on her camera and she has been spending time at a friend's house. Hopefully, I will be able to share more with you in the next couple of days.

Thanks once again for your incredible show of love and support. I can always count on you. You ALL are truly amazing!

{{{HUGS}}}},

Teresa

STREP, MOTHER NATURE DYSAUTONOMIA and GRADUATION Update on Teresa

We just want to say thank you very much for the support you have shown over the past couple of days. We have received so many encouraging messages through your comments and many people have also said they are praying for us. Please keep them coming because we are definitely still not out of the woods just yet.

Teresa is still in a great deal of pain and is very, very week. Plus, Mother Nature decided to throw a proverbial monkey wrench (monthly cycle) into the works, just for good measure. That is always an extremely difficult battle for Teresa, but this month it couldn't have come at a worse time. Needless to say, she is still feeling pretty rotten! However, we are hoping and praying that over the next 24-30 hours, she will begin to feel well enough to at least make an appearance at Morgan's graduation ceremony.

We would be extremely grateful if you would please continue to pray with us as we ask God to help her feel better and give her the strength she needs to make it through the graduation ceremony tomorrow night. If you've ever been to one, you know they can be very long. (Morgan's class is graduating almost 450 students.) It has been very hot and humid here this week which almost always makes Dysautonomia worse for those who have it. All of the above, in addition to recovering from a significant bacterial infection, means it is going to take nothing short of a miracle for Teresa to be able to attend Morgan's graduation. We really need that miracle.

Prayers for that miracle would be appreciated more than you will ever know.

Thanks so much,


David

UPDATE: MY MOM'S HOME!!

I wanted to let those who have been praying for my mom know that she has been released from the hospital and is doing much, much better. PRAISE GOD! In the next few days, she must follow up with her primary care physician and several of her specialists in order to ensure that she continues to do well.


I really wanted to thank each and every one of you for all of your thoughts and prayers for my mom, my dad and our whole family during the time that she was hospitalized. I truly appreciate the awesome love and support you have shown us during this time. It means more to us than you can possibly know!

Blessings,

Teresa <><

UPDATE ON MY MOM ~ Number 2 ~

My mom remains in the hospital and has been given the diagnosis of Diverticulitis, in addition to Pancreatitis. From what I understood from my conversation with her today, it also appears she may have been receiving too much IV fluid which caused her to begin having difficulty breathing this morning. This means, due to her heart condition, she was not able to process the fluids fast enough and was possibly starting to go into Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) due to fluid overload. My mom is very knowledgeable about her various medical conditions and knows all too well the signs, symptoms and causes of CHF. Therefore, she was able to advise the nurse what was happening and insisted they discontinue the fluids immediately.

It has definitely not been a good day for her and we all are very frustrated with everything that is going on. Therefore, bright and early tomorrow morning, she/we will attempt to contact her primary cardiology group in Atlanta to see if we can bring them in on her case so that they can make sure her heart is being properly cared for during her treatment for these intestinal issues. *sigh*

In the meantime, PLEASE continue to pray for my mom. It appears that things are definitely not going to be as simple as we had first hoped at the beginning. Please specifically pray for guidance and wisdom for the physicians and other medical personnel who are in charge of her care. Please pray for strength, comfort, peace and complete healing for my mom. And, last but certainly not least, please pray for my dad as he stands by my mom's side during all of this. As I told you about a couple of weeks ago, my parents just celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary. They have been together through thick and thin, but they are certainly not spring chickens anymore. :0)

Thanks so much for your love and support. It means more to me than you'll ever know.

Blessings,

Teresa

UPDATE ON MY MOM

My mom is being a real trouper, as always! She has been in significant pain off and on, which they are treating with Morphine, and she has not been allowed to eat or drink anything except a few ice chips since she was admitted last night. However, all things considered, she is doing remarkably well. I truly appreciate everyone's prayers and all of the sweet, encouraging comments you have left letting me know you are thinking about us. It really means so much to me and I humbly ask that you continue to pray for her and I will try to update you again soon.

{{HUGS}}

Teresa

QUICK UPDATE

After a thorough evaluation and a ton of labwork, I am extremely happy to report that it appears there is no new bacterial infection! To be safe, they did go ahead and draw new blood cultures to confirm there is nothing new growing. We should have those results in a couple of days. The doc believes I may have some kind of respiratory virus, or possibly even a sinus infection, as I have been having some of these type symptoms over the last few days. Regardless, I would truly appreciate it if you would continue to keep me in your prayers! I absolutely can not afford to have another serious infection again, especially this soon!

Thank you so much for your unwaivering support. Thank you for continuing to stop by and check on me, for leaving such kind comments and for your commitment to praying for me. It ALL means so very much to me. May the Lord bless each of you as you have blessed me.

{{HUGS}}

IMPORTANT UPDATE

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!!