Ramblings

Well, not much new to report since last post. Just the same old stuff. Bowling's going ok...I think though I have (with Mama's help) figured out why my thumb is bothering me when I bowl. I'm not releasing correctly! So, I've begun to concentrate on releasing properly and I think it's helping...my thumb didn't hurt last night! Yay! Now...my back, that's another story. It's killing me! And alot lower than normal. It almost feels like my tail bone is broken...though I haven't fallen or done anything to it to break it! But that's what it feels like.

Other than that, I've been working on getting some photo's printed and framed. It's about time I get some of that done and get some decor in the house! HaHa! Oh, and we took Paisley to get her pics done and they finally came in! Got em scanned in so that I can post em. Right now, they are on Mama's computer, so as soon as I get em on mine I will post them on here. Yes, we even have one each of me and Paisley, Mama and Paisley and all 3 of us. She did so well that day. And, I'm also going to be taking additional pics of her myself in a semi-professional setting. Well, gonna try! Kinda hard to get her to cooperate by myself, but I'm working on it. She's doing well with the training we're working on. Sit and stay, and the come commands are proving a bit difficult, but I think she's getting it...kinda!!

Anyway, gonna go take a pain pill and go to bed...maybe my back will ease off some! Ta-ta for now~!

Just Boredom...

Ok, so I've been a bit slack this past week and haven't posted since Monday...sue me! ha ha Just been busy that's all. Plus, I really dont get online much anymore anyway. Yeah I know what you're thinking...I'm not working, more time to get online and post, play games, do whatever right? WRONG! I have a lot of laundry I've been working on trying to get done. Laundry we have brought from the old house where we've been going up there near bout every weekend trying to get it ready for sale. No, we're not bringing everything...and hopefully, we won't be bringing any more clothes. I think the last of what's to be brought is mama's china cabinet and it's contents and a few more pieces from upstairs, then I think that's it! Hopefully!

Anyway, I'm bored. I'm sleepy. And I'm trying to stay awake, though there isn't anything to do. Yeah I know, I said I had alot of laundry. That's what keeps me busy during the week. Weekends are for rest...well, not here lately. But still...we took it easy this weekend and didn't go up to the house. Just kinda chilled here at home. And it got boring! I don't want to be on the computer, yet, I don't want to watch tv, and believe it or not, I really don't want to sleep (even though I could probably take a nice little nappy-poo right now). But I wanna do SOMETHING! Don't really have to go anywhere, just anything other than sitting here doing nothing and being bored would be nice. These are the times when I wish I was dating someone and they were here and we could just sit and talk or play cards or something like that. This being single and all is getting to be for the birds!

Ok, so I'm gonna go take a nappy-poo...it's all there is to do around this house (I know! I know...besides laundry). So anyway, will blog again soon, I promise it won't be as long next time and maybe, I'll have something better to blog about than being bored! Something to keep ya'll updated on, or better amused/entertained!

Today...

Well, I saw the rheumatologist this morning. She did a few in office tests, asked questions, etc. The standard stuff.

She's saying Fibromyalgia. She wants me to start taking 500mg of tylenol twice daily, go back on my thyroid medicine at a very low dosage, and gave me some muscle stretching exercises to do during the day (starting with just 5 minutes daily). I have to go have bloodwork done this week. Then I go back to see her in a month. She's pretty straight forward... and to the point. So we'll see how this all helps in a month for sure.

Aside from that...I'm kinda relieved that's what it is and is not Lupus. She didn't say why she "ruled out" lupus. Maybe now I can begin to get my life back!!

The Latest...

So, we took Miss Paisley today to get her pictures taken...professionally! She did pretty good...thank goodness for photo shop! LOL Of course, we had to keep the leash on her as there were other doggies around and she was just slightly distracted! But it's all good. We narrowed it down to about 8 poses (2 free ones!) and decided what sizes to what poses etc. Yes, there is one of she and I, she and Mama and the 3 of us in those poses. And then of course, the other 5 are all Paisley-Poo! They should be online in about 2 days or so...and we'll have the actual pics in about 8-10 days. Can't wait! We have been discussing the pic thing for about a year now and finally did it. The company that did it is called Treasured Images and they go around to the Petco's and set up photo sessions. I saw an ad for it last time I took her for grooming and signed her little tail up! We were smart though...we took some b-a-c-o-n's to entice her to do what she was supposed to do...it worked!

On to other notes...I go tomorrow to see the rheumatologist...kinda nervous, though I know I shouldn't be. Anxious also to find out just what she can do for me...or find out. I'm thinking about going to bed early tonite...as tired as I am, that may just happen in about an hour or so from this post! Yeah, we all know that probably won't happen! The kitchen still needs to be cleaned up from dinner...and there is a load of clothes in the dryer that can't just sit there over night. That's an hour's work in itself doing all that! So, I think with that note, I'm gonna get my tail up from here and go do that so that I can just relax and chill for a bit longer until I go to bed!

Daily Life...

Well, as most of you know, I am out on short term medical leave right now, so I'm at home every day. No, that doesn't mean I'll be posting every day...but I will continue to post.

This one is just some random blurbs I just kinda need to get off my chest.

I love my grandfather, really I do...but he gets so on my nerves...I knew this would happen if I went out on medical leave. He drives me crazy with the silliest little things. You have to understand my grandfather...if he asks you to do something for him, or get something for him...even if he tells you that you can do it later whenever you can/want...he wants it RIGHT THEN! And if you don't do it or get it right away, he asks you every 5 minutes (or so it seems) if you have done it or gotten it. He'll ask about something he read in the paper or heard on tv and you can explain to him what it's about...or when something will happen or take place...and he'll stay on it for like, ever. Wanting to know every little bit or every day if it's happened yet. Take for instance...fruit cakes. Yeah, not alot of people are crazy about fruit cakes...but he loves em. Can't wait every year for them to go on the market. Well, we all know it'll be sometime in November before the good ones are out. He began asking us about them in August...3 months before they come out...and we told him it would be November. And he does this EVERY year, so it's not like he doesn't know...granted that he doesn't pay much attention anyway to what you tell him, but you would think that after 5 or 6 years of asking and us telling, that he would get the picture. Nope...hasn't happened yet. He asks almost on a weekly basis when they'll be for sale. That's only an itsy bitsy taste of what mama and I go through. Though now, it focuses on me b/c I'm here all day with him. So, I'm going a little crazy. Nothing new for me, right? ha ha ya'll are so funny!

Anyway...my daily routine now consists of waking up in the morning around 8 am (like I used to do anyway), getting myself woke up by watching the Fox 8 news in the am. Then once Mama leaves for work...I chill out for 30 min to an hour and then go clean up the kitchen and granddad's breakfast messs (being sure to leave the paper alone so my darling cousin can read it if he comes by...but tossing it if he's not here by 12ish or so)...doing laundry (no, it's not that piled up, doing the laundry we brought from the old house so it would be clean when we want to wear it!) and then any other little household tasks that need to be done...ie vacuuming if needed, spot cleaning the carpet where precious little Paisley has made messes that we though we had cleaned (or other little spots that happen to appear...like Mama's coffee), etc. Typical housework kinda stuff. All this in between washing, drying, folding laundry. Sitting down and resting when Paisley makes me b/c she knows when I'm over doing it. She's good at that and tells me that I need to rest before I think I do...but she senses it. Then, Mama calls on her way home to discuss dinner and we either decide to cook or not to cook. Then, whatever we decide on...the dishes get done afterwards and then I fully relax. Typical day. Unless I happen to have a day where I have over done it, like today...I vacuumed the hall and the living room...and with our vacuum it's very hard to roll. So, I kinda over did it...majorly...even though Paisley made me stop and rest every few minutes during.

So now, I'm blogging...well, I was...but now I'm done...so, fare thee well until next time we shall meet again!

Dog Days

So I took Paisley up to the dog day thing at the Town Hall today. They had a contest for best kisser (which any of you that have met her knows she's a kiss-a-holic!) There were about 6 other entries...everyone of the doggies got stage fright, yes even Paisley! One dog, this humongo bull dog named Conan was the only one that really didn't...he managed to give his owner a peck kiss. Of course, after the contest, all the dogs began kissin'! Go figure huh? Anyway, there was a 1st and 2nd place prize. Of course, b/c Conan was the only one that actually "kissed" during the contest...he got 1st place. Well, the judges deliberated and Paisley took 2nd! YIPPEE!!! She got a $10 gift card to one of her fave stores...Pet Supplies, Plus. YAYAYA! She would have gotten first I'm sure had she cooperated!

I think she was too worn out really! Considering the fact that the lil huzzy managed somehow to wriggle out of her collar and take off runnin around like a chicken with it's neck broke! That happened about 20 minutes before the contest was to take place. Took about 10 to get her back and with the help of a new friend that she made, that was possible. Oh, she would come to me when I called her...but b/c she had no collar on...I couldn't "hook" her. Thankfully, she stayed in the parking lot and around close...she was just runnin like a mad man. But, now she's worn slap out and napping. Good girl! Ha Ha! Everyone that was nearby was trying to corral her so we could get her leash back on. That wore me out too! We had walked up there, since the town hall is about a block and a half from the house. I had to call Mama to come pick us up...b/c I knew I probably wouldn't make it back...well, I would have, it just would have taken a long time!

So, Mama came and got us and we ran up to Bojangle's and got a biscuit and brought it back to the house. So, now I'm lunched up and ready to go...nap!!

Brains Or No Brains? (Part 2)

Ok, it's official...I HAVE A BRAIN!!!! HA HA!! Actually, I got the results from my MRI on Tuesday. It's NORMAL! It's CLEAR! The neuro said that it's very very uncommon for someone with MS to have a clear, normal MRI. So it pretty much is definitive that I do not have MS. Although, those of you that know me well enough know how bass-ackwards I am anyway, so to me, it's not 100% definitive...not yet anyway. However, he did say that he would bet a nickel to a buck it IS lupus...he noticed some "speckling" on my cheeks today that were not present upon my first appointment...suggesting the lupus. So, now I go see the rheumatologist for further testing and a direct diagnosis.

Yippee! I just got off the phone with the rheumatologist office...I called them to let them know that the neuro's office would be calling to set me up an appointment...and to explain to them the deal with my insurance since it expires the end of this month. Well, the guy I spoke with went ahead and scheduled me for the 20th of this month. So, I have my rheumatology appointment set up and can finally begin to get the answers I need.

The neuro highly suggests this particular rheum. dr...said that she's excellent and pretty much I could have a diagnosis BAM! So, I'm ready, I'm excited. Finally I will find out what is going on.

So, until then...I will probably post about this or that...since I'm not working right now, my posts may not be quite as exciting! LOL But I will try, I promise!!

Brains Or No Brains?

Well, today was the MRI. Everything went relatively well...they had a little trouble getting the contrast i.v. to cooperate though...well, partially my fault there. I guess cause it was so cold, my veins shrunk and wouldn't allow them to get the needle in. When they finally got it inn my right arm, the contrast thing busted. So, they tried my hand upon my suggestion (as when I had an i.v. back earlier this year they had to do that) and in two diff spots it didn't work. Well, they managed to get about half in the third time they stuck me. So, she switched hands and managed (using a smaller needle and lower infusion rate) to get the rest in using my left hand.

I have an appointment set for this coming Thursday at 915 am with the neurologist to get my results and find out the answer to the title question! ha ha

Anyway, will post when I do get results. For now, I'm just gonna rest, I'm worn out!

Yeah...

Well, today was my last "official" day at work. It was ok...I wasn't feeling all that great today, but I made it through.

But get this...I was asked to sign a paper regarding my leaving. On it was NOT what was discussed, but something different. It stated that I was resigning my position there...which is NOT what I told them I was doing. So, I crossed through that and hand wrote in that I was requesting medical leave. Then, the pharmacist that was there was to sign it also. He did, but asked me to also call the pharmacy manager and explain to him what I did. I did so, but got no answer. So, it's still sitting up there with the two signatures on it...b/c I did not say I was resigning and I was not going to sign that. So, we'll see how that's taken.

Anyway, my MRI is on Tuesday...kinda scared but kinda glad that it's about time. I'm so ready to find out just what the heck is going on. I will definately update when I know the results.

I'm keeping this one short b/c I'm just so tired and in pain, so I'm going to bed early tonite.

Good News & Semi-Bad News & Bad News...

Ok, kind of good news. I spoke with the woman that handles the insurance at the neuro's office. She said that the doc can sign off on part of the disability papers, but b/c he didn't actually "take" me out of work per se, they couldn't fill out the other part. That sucks. But not for long b/c I'm going to talk to my medical doctor in the am and see if he will sign off on it and actually "take" me out of work...even though it really isn't his choice, nor mine (if you recall, it's my EMPLOYERS choice, kind of "forcing" me out). I'm pretty sure he will. I had talked to him before about it, and he said he possibly could if the neuro wouldn't or couldn't. So, we'll see when I actually talk to him tomorrow. I had left him a message this afternoon and told him to call me at home before 4 pm and well, he did call...45 minutes after we had left to go bowling (which I wasn't able to, just went to cheer them on). So anyway, he left a message and said he would call me tomorrow...so we'll see how that goes. So that's the "semi-bad" news.

The bad news is my medical insurance will expire on Oct 31 at midnight. Oh, I can continue to keep it and pay the premium each month. Which, I wouldn't mind doing...IF I could afford almost $400 a month!!!!! If I could afford that, I would get private insurance...so, I have to try to get everything done this month...i.e. the MRI, the rheumatologist visit, the lab/blood work, etc. At least as much of it as possible. When I spoke the first time with the insurance woman at the neuro's office, I explained to her that my medical insurance would expire the end of the month and that I need to at least get the MRI done before that happened.

The good news is...after I spoke with the insurance woman at the neuro's office (which she was actually nice to me this time!) the first time, and explained my situation to her, she called me back within about 15 minutes and told me THE MRI WAS APPROVED!!!! So, it's scheduled for next Tuesday at 930am!! Thank you God, at least SOMETHING is going right for once!!! So, maybe if I get that done this soon, I can have the other visit with the neuro, get my results and see the rheumatologist maybe the following week...if all goes well. We'll have to see. I will definately post once I have the results, so don't worry...ya'll will know soon after I do! At least that's in my favor right now...until we get the results. So, for those of you that have done so before, continue to keep my in your prayers and thoughts and let's hope all goes well on Tuesday.

I'm scared, but working hard to keep a positive outlook on it. Thanks to all those who keep sending me encouraging thoughts and wishes. It helps me sooo much! More than ya'll will ever know!