2Hearts Designs
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Ok so here's my back up plan :)
It seems that me comment section is NOT working as it did for me last night. So could everyone just email me your comments to fibromite05@yahoo. com and I will post them. Sorry for the inconvience, but I'm new at this ya know. I'll get it worked out sooner or later :)
Monday, July 26, 2010
Comments
My comment section may say that it does not take your comment. However, if you notice it took mine twice. So please check before you post a second time -- unlike me :)
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Be more aware and importance of support groups
WOO HOO - Comments are now working - can't wait to hear from you!!
Hey everyone I hope you have had a good and somewhat pain free weekend. It has been crazy here the last few days - but what's new right? First of all we went to see Scotty on Thursday and had planned to have my Granddaughter, Christina's, cake while we were there. Most of that went fine. However, Darren ended up with a big blood pressure drop and racing heart. Which meant a trip to the hospital in the ambulance no less. I don't even want to see that bill :( Anyway it turned out OK as it was just his medicine. The Doc at the VA had given him some new meds and told him when to take them. Well he did what they said, but they were wrong. At the hospital they gave him 2 bags of IV fluids and told him NOT to take the 2 meds at the same time any more. It just goes to show you that you always need to check with your Pharmacist when you get new meds to make sure you can take them together and/or at the same time. Then on Friday we had to go to VA for him to have more blood tests. This makes our 3rd trip there this week. It is a 45 minute drive - which is not bad. Except when it's 95 and you have no air conditioning in the truck - then it's BAD.
Of course Saturday the ugly monster that lives within me had to rear it's ugly head. Add I was in major pain all day. I know it was just a combination of the heat and stress, but it just loves to sneak up on us doesn't it?
I had a very enlightening experience while I was at the hospital. There was a nurse there who was very sluggish and seemed "out of it". I thought "Geez, oh Pete, can't this woman speed up a little"? Then it was like I slapped myself! What if this woman has Fibro and she can't go any faster? What if she is in so much pain, but has to work anyway, that it takes her forever to move? Oh my it really shook me up for a minute or so. Here I am judging others the same way I curse others for judging me. It's just like when I use the handicap parking and someone walks by and makes a snide remark like "She doesn't look handicapped to me". How I hate that!! It sure will make me more aware of how I look at others in the future -- although I have always tried.
I did create a new t-shirt design that night that depicts "the monster within". To me our attitude is just as damaging sometimes as our pain. It makes us want to strike out at others because they do not understand. But how can they? If you saw someone with a heart condition -- would you know it? What about first stages of cancer?
As with anything else in our lives we must be aware of our thought and feelings, as much as our pain. Our "monster within" causes us more pain than just physical, but others can't know that unless we share it with them. So please be kind to yourself and let others around you know when it's a "bad" day. It's VERY IMPORTANT to find a support group in your area and attend those meetings. If there aren't any listed on the National Fibromyalgia website, check your local paper or call the local information and referral line at your local hospitals. Just like doctors - groups are not always set up the way you would like. Go a couple of times and then make a decision as to whether you want to go back or not. If you can't find a group -- find a few friends who support you and/or also have Fibro and go out for coffee or meet at some one's house (where you can openly cry and bitch if need be) . From support groups I have ran and attended in the past here are a few things I feel they should include:
(1) Education about all aspects of Fibro and Chronic Fatigue
This can include speakers, handouts, flyers on events, etc - but don't blog a person down with too much information at once. Our foggy brains get confuzzled easy enough with only a few pieces of info. Pick your speakers wisely. I hate to go to groups and hear about a great new treatment only to find out it costs a zillion dollars -- which insurance doesn't pay for.
(2) Support - all groups should have some meetings where there is no speaker so those attending can share their support, strength and hope with others. This is NOT to TELL others what to do. It's to let them know what has and has not worked for you. Decisions about treatment, medications, etc should be left up to the individual. What works for one of us may not work for another. Our "monsters" have different appetites and some won't like what others do. :) Mine is very picky and only likes to eat certain meds for a limited amount of time. Then he doesn't let it work any more, so back to the doc I go to get another kind. :(
NO MEDICAL ADVICE -- Unless you are a trained professional DON'T DO IT
Well that's about it for today as my vaccum is waiting on me :) I have attached a link (if I did it right) to my Cafe Press store where you can buy my t-shirts, hats, etc. I will be adding more later, but as with this blog it's a learning process.
http://www.cafepress.com/2heartsDesigns
Sending blessings and a wish for you to have pain free day
Darla
Hey everyone I hope you have had a good and somewhat pain free weekend. It has been crazy here the last few days - but what's new right? First of all we went to see Scotty on Thursday and had planned to have my Granddaughter, Christina's, cake while we were there. Most of that went fine. However, Darren ended up with a big blood pressure drop and racing heart. Which meant a trip to the hospital in the ambulance no less. I don't even want to see that bill :( Anyway it turned out OK as it was just his medicine. The Doc at the VA had given him some new meds and told him when to take them. Well he did what they said, but they were wrong. At the hospital they gave him 2 bags of IV fluids and told him NOT to take the 2 meds at the same time any more. It just goes to show you that you always need to check with your Pharmacist when you get new meds to make sure you can take them together and/or at the same time. Then on Friday we had to go to VA for him to have more blood tests. This makes our 3rd trip there this week. It is a 45 minute drive - which is not bad. Except when it's 95 and you have no air conditioning in the truck - then it's BAD.
Of course Saturday the ugly monster that lives within me had to rear it's ugly head. Add I was in major pain all day. I know it was just a combination of the heat and stress, but it just loves to sneak up on us doesn't it?
I had a very enlightening experience while I was at the hospital. There was a nurse there who was very sluggish and seemed "out of it". I thought "Geez, oh Pete, can't this woman speed up a little"? Then it was like I slapped myself! What if this woman has Fibro and she can't go any faster? What if she is in so much pain, but has to work anyway, that it takes her forever to move? Oh my it really shook me up for a minute or so. Here I am judging others the same way I curse others for judging me. It's just like when I use the handicap parking and someone walks by and makes a snide remark like "She doesn't look handicapped to me". How I hate that!! It sure will make me more aware of how I look at others in the future -- although I have always tried.
I did create a new t-shirt design that night that depicts "the monster within". To me our attitude is just as damaging sometimes as our pain. It makes us want to strike out at others because they do not understand. But how can they? If you saw someone with a heart condition -- would you know it? What about first stages of cancer?
As with anything else in our lives we must be aware of our thought and feelings, as much as our pain. Our "monster within" causes us more pain than just physical, but others can't know that unless we share it with them. So please be kind to yourself and let others around you know when it's a "bad" day. It's VERY IMPORTANT to find a support group in your area and attend those meetings. If there aren't any listed on the National Fibromyalgia website, check your local paper or call the local information and referral line at your local hospitals. Just like doctors - groups are not always set up the way you would like. Go a couple of times and then make a decision as to whether you want to go back or not. If you can't find a group -- find a few friends who support you and/or also have Fibro and go out for coffee or meet at some one's house (where you can openly cry and bitch if need be) . From support groups I have ran and attended in the past here are a few things I feel they should include:
(1) Education about all aspects of Fibro and Chronic Fatigue
This can include speakers, handouts, flyers on events, etc - but don't blog a person down with too much information at once. Our foggy brains get confuzzled easy enough with only a few pieces of info. Pick your speakers wisely. I hate to go to groups and hear about a great new treatment only to find out it costs a zillion dollars -- which insurance doesn't pay for.
(2) Support - all groups should have some meetings where there is no speaker so those attending can share their support, strength and hope with others. This is NOT to TELL others what to do. It's to let them know what has and has not worked for you. Decisions about treatment, medications, etc should be left up to the individual. What works for one of us may not work for another. Our "monsters" have different appetites and some won't like what others do. :) Mine is very picky and only likes to eat certain meds for a limited amount of time. Then he doesn't let it work any more, so back to the doc I go to get another kind. :(
NO MEDICAL ADVICE -- Unless you are a trained professional DON'T DO IT
Well that's about it for today as my vaccum is waiting on me :) I have attached a link (if I did it right) to my Cafe Press store where you can buy my t-shirts, hats, etc. I will be adding more later, but as with this blog it's a learning process.
http://www.cafepress.com/2heartsDesigns
Sending blessings and a wish for you to have pain free day
Darla
Friday, July 23, 2010
Comment Section not working
Sorry but my comment section isn't working, but I am working on it and some other things here. Will be back later :)
Wishing everyone is a blessed pain free day!
Wishing everyone is a blessed pain free day!
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Some links and general info today :)
Well here it is another day already. Where does time go when you are having so much fun LOL However, I know with us fibromites "fun" is something rare. We have to take it in the sparse minutes when we can endure the pain and/or have the energy at the same time. I don't know about everyone, but for me, those two things rarely occur together. I try to pace myself - as is very important with us -- but it just doesn't seem to work. Being a type "A" personality I tend to always find 48 hours of things to do in 24. Of course it takes me about 72 hours to do what I used to be to do BF (before Fibro). I get so mad and frustrated at times that I am not able to do what I used to. I know age has some to do with it, but dang does it have to wear you out to take out the trash, do a few dishes or clean 1/2 a room? Many days just getting out of bed is a chore. I think God made me love dogs so I would have to make myself get up and let them out. :) Only He knows I don't have the energy to clean up after 3 of them, so not getting up is not an option. lol
I am thrilled at all the emails I got supporting my blog. I have been procrastinating about this for so long. However, I decided that although it's not fancy it's MINE and I can share my knowledge, strength and support with other Fibromites, such as myself, as that's what it's all about -- helping others! The help and support I get help in the process is just a double blessing.
I have had some medication questions from some readers. Since I am not a qualified medical professional I can only tell you what has and has not worked for me. None of what I share here is to be taken as medical advice. Talk everything over with your doctor. If he or she won't listen them it's time to find another one! My first Doc told me I'd be cured in 6 months - what an idiot!! One of the MOST IMPORTANT things for us is to have a doctor who truly understands our condition, is compassionate and is up to date on the latest treatments. Since I was diagnosed in 2000 there have been many new medications and treatments that have become available. Believe me I have tried almost all of them. Tomorrow I will let you know what meds, treatments. etc I have tried and if the worked or didn't work. Well -- er -- as many as my foggy little brain (and hubby) can remember. :)
For now these are the current medications and treatments I am receiving:
Cymbalta - I just started on this Monday so not sure how it's going to work, but it feels OK for now. (Coming off my old medication and switching to this is another story - for another day.)
Water Therapy - I will start this again next week. I have I have had it before in North Carolina and it worked great.
Trigger point injections - OH my Lord - if there's a place you can have them - then I've been stuck there lol Some worked and some didn't. Again it depends on who the Doc is that is giving them to you. My best experiences have been with Rheumatologists and Anesthesiologists. I just had one in the palm of my hand for a "trigger finger" and one in my hip last week. I am happy to say that they both worked!
Ambien - this helps with my sleep but I rarely take it. It makes me too tired and gives me a headache if I take it for 2 or 3 days in a row.
Soma - generic - I take this a muscle relaxer once a day. It was prescribed 3 times a day but I know how addicting it can be so I won't let myself take that much.
Lorazepam - another one for the muscles and joints. It helps me be able to relax and sleep.
Nexium - for acid reflux
OK so now you know most of my secret meds that keep me going. :) Many of these are VERY expensive. If you do not have insurance or are on a limited income - like most of us. Come back tomorrow and I will have some links for you to find out how the drug manufacturer may GIVE them to you.
I wish everyone a virtually pain free day -- sending gentle hugs to all. (Isn't it a shame that we can't even stand to receive a BIG hug without cringing!) Don't forget to leave your comments and questions here so I can address the things you want to know about. A couple of links that may help you out with some of your Fibro questions :)
http://www.patientslikeme.com/home
http://www.fmaware.org
Love, Hugs n Blessings -- Darla
I dream of crafting & then
Craft my dreams
If God brings us to it ...
He will bring us through it
I am thrilled at all the emails I got supporting my blog. I have been procrastinating about this for so long. However, I decided that although it's not fancy it's MINE and I can share my knowledge, strength and support with other Fibromites, such as myself, as that's what it's all about -- helping others! The help and support I get help in the process is just a double blessing.
I have had some medication questions from some readers. Since I am not a qualified medical professional I can only tell you what has and has not worked for me. None of what I share here is to be taken as medical advice. Talk everything over with your doctor. If he or she won't listen them it's time to find another one! My first Doc told me I'd be cured in 6 months - what an idiot!! One of the MOST IMPORTANT things for us is to have a doctor who truly understands our condition, is compassionate and is up to date on the latest treatments. Since I was diagnosed in 2000 there have been many new medications and treatments that have become available. Believe me I have tried almost all of them. Tomorrow I will let you know what meds, treatments. etc I have tried and if the worked or didn't work. Well -- er -- as many as my foggy little brain (and hubby) can remember. :)
For now these are the current medications and treatments I am receiving:
Cymbalta - I just started on this Monday so not sure how it's going to work, but it feels OK for now. (Coming off my old medication and switching to this is another story - for another day.)
Water Therapy - I will start this again next week. I have I have had it before in North Carolina and it worked great.
Trigger point injections - OH my Lord - if there's a place you can have them - then I've been stuck there lol Some worked and some didn't. Again it depends on who the Doc is that is giving them to you. My best experiences have been with Rheumatologists and Anesthesiologists. I just had one in the palm of my hand for a "trigger finger" and one in my hip last week. I am happy to say that they both worked!
Ambien - this helps with my sleep but I rarely take it. It makes me too tired and gives me a headache if I take it for 2 or 3 days in a row.
Soma - generic - I take this a muscle relaxer once a day. It was prescribed 3 times a day but I know how addicting it can be so I won't let myself take that much.
Lorazepam - another one for the muscles and joints. It helps me be able to relax and sleep.
Nexium - for acid reflux
OK so now you know most of my secret meds that keep me going. :) Many of these are VERY expensive. If you do not have insurance or are on a limited income - like most of us. Come back tomorrow and I will have some links for you to find out how the drug manufacturer may GIVE them to you.
I wish everyone a virtually pain free day -- sending gentle hugs to all. (Isn't it a shame that we can't even stand to receive a BIG hug without cringing!) Don't forget to leave your comments and questions here so I can address the things you want to know about. A couple of links that may help you out with some of your Fibro questions :)
http://www.patientslikeme.com/home
http://www.fmaware.org
Love, Hugs n Blessings -- Darla
I dream of crafting & then
Craft my dreams
If God brings us to it ...
He will bring us through it
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Symptoms of Fibro - not inclusive
What Are the Common Symptoms of Fibromyalgia?
Common symptoms of fibromyalgia -- also known as fibromyalgia syndrome or FMS -- may include:
Pain
Anxiety
Concentration and memory problems -- known as "fibro fog"
Depression
Fatigue
Headaches
Irritable bowel syndrome
Morning stiffness
Painful menstrual cramps
Sleep problems
Swelling, numbness, and tingling in hands, arms, feet, and legs
Tender points - at least 11 of the 18 body trigger points
Urinary symptoms
Although there are many more these are some of the most commom.
Common symptoms of fibromyalgia -- also known as fibromyalgia syndrome or FMS -- may include:
Pain
Anxiety
Concentration and memory problems -- known as "fibro fog"
Depression
Fatigue
Headaches
Irritable bowel syndrome
Morning stiffness
Painful menstrual cramps
Sleep problems
Swelling, numbness, and tingling in hands, arms, feet, and legs
Tender points - at least 11 of the 18 body trigger points
Urinary symptoms
Although there are many more these are some of the most commom.
The first day of the rest of my life
Gee how many times have we said that. I say it everyday and so far it's been true LOL I'd like to welcome you to my little corner of the world. I will be sharing a lot of different things here. But mostly I have created this for those of us who suffer from the "curse" of Fibromyalgia. I will be posting whenever possible, hopefully daily, and sharing with you what's been going on in my life as well as any new things about Fibro I can find. So somedays it will be happy thoughts and some days I'll be whining and bitching about Docs, pain and laws. Whew - I think my foggy brain can handle that :)
I will also be posting some of my 3D sheets here that can be used to make a sell cards for CHARITY . As long as the sheets are used to make cards or other crafts and the money goes to that charity I don't have a problem. However, if I find my cards and/or sheets on any other website, CD, DVD, etc. I WILL Prosecute. These sheets are my labor of love and my way of contributing to various charites. So be KIND and MIND the copywrite. Here's my first sheet to share. Hopefully before October some of you can get some use out of it.
I will also be posting some of my 3D sheets here that can be used to make a sell cards for CHARITY . As long as the sheets are used to make cards or other crafts and the money goes to that charity I don't have a problem. However, if I find my cards and/or sheets on any other website, CD, DVD, etc. I WILL Prosecute. These sheets are my labor of love and my way of contributing to various charites. So be KIND and MIND the copywrite. Here's my first sheet to share. Hopefully before October some of you can get some use out of it.
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