Friday, August 3, 2012
(yes I am behind on my blogs and am writing this over a week since it happened!)
Today was a VERY busy day.
We had two appointments for Kimm.
First up was meeting with the rheumotologist to check in regarding the “off” blood work that Dr. Spath had ordered. The doctor was very nice, a little dry (!)–seriously, she was SO serious–but she basically said she didn’t think there was really anything wrong as Kimm was experiencing no symptoms from her point of view that would point to an auto-immune disorder…however, to be safe, she said we could do some additional blood work which we did opt to do…better to be safe than sorry. So even though it was good to meet with her to relay our concerns, she really did nothing to help with the current issue which is the continued loss of sensation to Kimm’s legs and arms.
So it was on to Dr. Spath for a follow-up appointment. And that was pretty much a bust as well. She did go over the lower back MRI which, as we knew, shows several bulging discs. She still wanted an MRI of the neck and we asked regarding an open MRI as Kimm is still not wanting to go into what she calls “the coffin” again 🙂 Dr. Spath ordered an open MRI and also suggested an appointment with a neurosurgeon. And that was that…no other hope or solution. I told her that we had been using the Bio-freeze and taking Ibuprofen on a more scheduled basis to help with the inflammation and she gave me the blankest stare possible. Hell, if doctors don’t help, Google is our next best option.
So now we wait. SO FRUSTRATING. For both of us, but I’m sure more so for Kimm who is suffering.
Hopefully this will get resolved sooner, rather than later, and years from now we can look back on this and smile…I can’t wait for that day.
So anyways, enough of that…we just have to keep plodding on…
Here are my faves from around the web this week…
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Favorite easy chocolate treat…No Bake Cookie Bars…
Favorite article regarding the Chick-Fil-A debate…We Are Not Arguing Over Chicken…an out gay man explains to conservatives that sometimes eating a chicken sandwich is more than a meal…it’s defending institutionalized discrimination…
Favorite pizza combo…BBQ sauce, black beans, corn, tomatoes, cheese, cilantro…all combined in this Santa Fe Summer BBQ Pizza that just screams summer!
Favorite challenge…Angela of Oh She Glows inspires to “do one thing a day that scares you” this month…
…in her words…
I don’t care who you are or where you come from, we all struggle with various fears on a daily basis. It’s one thing that unites us all, but it’s also something we don’t talk about very often. Instead, we often hear much more about hate, anger, jealousy, and criticism which only further leads to more fear. What if we just started talking more about what scares us?
Fear can be crippling. As someone who has suffered from chronic anxiety my entire life, I know that all too well. If left unchallenged, our fears can multiply. I personally fear failure, mistakes, judgment, health of myself and loved ones, not being worthy or deserving, disappointing myself and others. I even fear that I won’t be able to overcome my fears. Sometimes fears are on a smaller scale, but they seem difficult nonetheless – going out to see friends, making a difficult phone call, or getting back into an old sport. Fear can be motivating, “Oh I don’t want to mess up my speech, so I’m going to practice every day this week.” or demotivating, “I messed up and feel like an idiot, so I won’t make myself vulnerable again.”
Because of our fears and in spite of our fears, I’m making a special challenge for the month of August. This month I’m personally challenging myself and any of you who are interested to take control of our fears, whatever they may be!
From the wise words of Eleanor Roosevelt, my challenge for August is to do one thing a day that scares you.
Who’s in???
Favorite drinky-drink…the unique combo of watermelon and cucumber is something I want to try in this Cucumber Watermelon Martini…
Favorite blog post…with watching the Olympics, Cassie from Back to her Roots, realized that it’s awful easy to compare ourselves to those we see as surreal, which can lead to feelings of inadequacy…her post, Finding (and Celebrating) Your Greatness, is AWESOME…what characteristics of yours would earn a Gold Medal???
Favorite funny…SO TRUE!
Favorite dip…bring it on baby…Key Lime Pie Dip!
Favorite inspirational list…12 Amazingly Achievable Things To Do Today!
Favorite truth regarding exercise…
Favorite twist on an old classic snack…anyone remember munching on Puppy Chow at sleepovers as a kid…I’d love to try this Lemon Puppy Chow!
Favorite animal supporter…if you didn’t know, my girlfriend Kimm is a realtor and she writes a blog too…I love that she incorporates her love of animals by featuring adoptable cats and dogs from T.J. O’Connor…meet this weeks kittie…Beamer 🙂
Favorite collection of recipes…I LOVE me some brownies…here’s a list of 50 Brownie Recipes…whoa!!!
Favorite funny spin-off…there is the standard perceived exertion scale for when you are exercising, and then there is this MUCH improved, much funnier scale! I couldn’t stop laughing 🙂
Standard…
6 No exertion at all
7 Extremely light
8
9 Very light – (easy walking slowly at a comfortable pace)
10
11 Light
12
13 Somewhat hard (It is quite an effort; you feel tired but can continue)
14
15 Hard (heavy)
16
17 Very hard (very strenuous, and you are very fatigued)
18
19 Extremely hard (You can not continue for long at this pace)
20 Maximal exertion
Improved…
- Level 1: I’m watching TV and eating bon bons
- Level 2: I’m comfortable and could maintain this pace all day long
- Level 3: I’m still comfortable, but am breathing a bit harder
- Level 4: I’m sweating a little, but feel good and can carry on a conversation effortlessly
- Level 5: I’m just above comfortable, am sweating more and can still talk easily
- Level 6: I can still talk, but am slightly breathless
- Level 7: I can still talk, but I don’t really want to. I’m sweating like a pig
- Level 8: I can grunt in response to your questions and can only keep this pace for a short time period
- Level 9: I am probably going to die
- Level 10: I am dead
Favorite truth…
Have a great weekend everyone!!!
Okay, Kaye? 