Month: August 2023

Posted on

Lightning Strikes Journal Entries 26-27 May 2021

May 26

5a woke with splitting headache. Nerves feel gittery all over. Sinuses several congested. Took Excedrin migraine.

5:40 indigestion. Ugh. Upset stomach. Sucking on ginger chew.

620 indigestion subsided. Upheavaled sinuses making me gag. Nasonex used.

Bible Reading: Nehemiah 7, John 3:2

Dezirae and I picked green beans today. When we were done, we got to go swimming. I only got in to barely my waist, but it felt good on my legs.  I know I’m going to hurt later.

Picked up lunch at McDs.  Once home put movie on and went to snapping beans. Today is only day we can do it bc graduation is tomorrow. Celebration is Friday and cookout for lunch.

530 Joe came home from work and took me on date for our anniversary. Had heart to heart talk (which I love) . Ate at Texas Roadhouse. Took me to Party City, DG, & DT looking for final touches for graduation tomorrow.

1100p finally done with canning the beans. I’m in extreme pain from head to toes. Nails partly done.

 

May 27

445a woke in excruciating pain!!! I don’t need this today. Forgot about y’day activity causing this much pain.  Took 3 Tylenol.

Sinuses very congested. Used Nasonex.

Eyes leaking.  Using heating pad to help ease crick in rt side. Heat feels good.

Song: from Clark family not sure title…He thought I was worth it. It’s slipping away as I’m trying to figure out title. I’d rather remember the song.

“Now I’ll never see what You saw in me ′Cause You knew I would never be perfect But I’m just so glad That somehow you thought I was worth it”

700a can’t keep eyes open. Laying down to take nap.

Need to finalize bulletin and print. Finish balloon arch (It does not look anything like the picture). Senior Table set up. Assemble sandwiches. Photo board.

Dezirae suggested I call Heather for help. I did. She’s glad to help. Stopped at store for what I thought was final items. Got two pizzas to feed us all lunch.

Took over an hour to cook the pizzas. I couldn’t figure out the gas stove. After 30 minutes in oven they we’re still cold. Decided to try toaster oven. Still not cooked. Cheese not even melted. Decided to use broil option and ended up burning them.

Ended up only cooking four pieces. Gave Heather a pizza to cook at home and I took the other one. Ugh.

Finally back home around 3p. So tired, but still have much to do. Need to get ready for tonight. I hope I remember everything.

600 decided to brew coffee for any who wants some. Heather smelled something and decided to check on it. Found the pot overflowing everywhere! Oh, brother.

650p stink!!! I forgot the diploma at home. It’s too late to go home and get it. I just want  to crawl under a pew and cry. I can’t believe I forgot!!!

Posted on

Lightning Strikes Journal Entries 24-25 May 2021

May 24

Woke too early. Tried to fall back to sleep to no avail. Prayed for church family.

Sinuses congested. Eyes watery. Low back throbbing. Rt hip throbbing. Legs ache. Whole body and achy. Legs and feet burning throbbing pain. Skin sensitive to touch.

Bible Reading Psalm 73:24-28, Nehemiah 1-3,

Song: Oh, Say but I’m Glad

3:22p – smelling something weird, but I can’t place what it is. It’s turning my stomach.

6:00p – Joe figured out what the smell was. It was shredded cheese in the fridge. I used it on the chicken and rice for dinner. Ooh gross dinner is ruined. At least he saved us from food poisoning. Ugh

700p decided to take an Epsom Salt bath to see if it’ll help. Soaked for 45 minutes. It felt so good.

Exhausted. Nerves tingly chilling burning sensation thru body – like I’ve been severely frost bitten. Very lethargic and lacking any energy. Legs burning stinging pain. Neck aches. Slight indigestion. Lower left leg tourniquet tightening feeling with tingling and numbness to toes. Toes stinging frozen feeling. Rt hip throbbing. Hands swollen and throbbing.

 

May 25

630a woke to great upper body pain. It hurts to move or lay still. Lights bothersome. Sinuses congested.  Took naproxen rx.

Song: Precious and few are the moments we two can share

Bible Reading: Nehemiah 4-6 (for the people had a mind to work), James 1:19, Psalm 104:23-24

Tried 1/4 tablet for two weeks on the bp rx (Edarbyclor). Not sure that’s good idea right now. Going back to 1/2 pill daily.

Continuing 1/2 pill of migraine prevention (Propranolol) am & pm.

Continuing to take the PEA supplement one capsule am & pm. Still getting headaches but they are manageable. Only have had one major debilitating migraine in three weeks. Praise the Lord.

Adding Stress Relief Formula Tablet one in am. With all the ingredients, it’s like a multivitamin with added supplements. Probably can use it this week especially bc of graduation on Thursday.

GABA (Gamma-Aminobulyric Acid) has been helping me fall asleep faster at night. Most nights I’m dozing off within 30-45 minutes of taking it. Big improvement in my book.

Juicing: 3 handfuls of spinach, 2 small apples, 1 orange, 1/2 lemon

Folded load of towels and wash cloths. Wash few dishes. Load in wash. I’m exhausted. Need to rest momentarily.

800 Joe comes outside to watch me attempting to transplant my flowers from back of house to front. It’s taken me a week already because I can only do a little bit at a time before I hurt myself. He starts chuckling to himself (apparently I was talking to myself unawares). This annoys me so I ask him, “What?!”

He responds, “The last couple of weeks you’ve been talking different almost like a child all over again.”

I reply, “Well, someone’s gotta do it. They’re not going to transplant themselves.”

Thought I’d research why I may be talking “like a child”. My assumption leans toward the TBI.

https://msktc.org/tbi/factsheets/Understanding-TBI/The-Recovery-Process-For-Traumatic-Brain-Injury

https://www.paterehab.com/about-abi/traumatic-brain-injury-tbi/

In much pain, especially my legs and feet – stinging burning throbbing pain. Headache. Head itches. Neck hurts.

 

Posted on

Lightning Strikes Journal Entries 21-23 May 2021

May 21

500a alarm went off and scared me awake. It was just static noise but scared me just the same. No fun being scared bc my nerves tense which in turn increases pain. Got up to use restroom. A bit wobbly. Lost balance and almost fell.

800a pain in body woke me again. Mouth dry and thirsty. Vision feels cross-eyed.

Bible Reading: Ezra 1-3

Song: It’s amazing what praising can do alleluia alleluia

 

May 22

Bible Reading – Ezra 4-7 , Psalm 16:11, Galatians 5:13

Song on mind: He’s the air that I breathe, the water I thirst for…

Lots to do today… tomorrow is homecoming at church. Decided to decorate the fellowship hall with a touch of western style.

Overdid it today. I’m in severe pain in center of chest. Had Joe adjust my back to ease some of the pain. Took 4 Ibuprofen around 6pm. Little after 11p took 1/2 meloxicam with my pm meds.

Headache minor. Neck and shoulder ache. Hands and wrists swollen and throbbing. Arms ache. Pain in center of chest. Stinging burning throbbing pain throughout. Lower left leg tourniquet tightening feeling with tingling and numbness to foot. Legs throbbing. Exhausted. Skin feels itchy & dry.

 

Hi there , how are you feeling

I’m feeling just fine

What activities made you feel just fine?

Health , Exercise

 List down why these things make you feel just fine

Overdid it today getting ready for church anniversary tomorrow. Chest hurts horribly and I’m exhausted.

Anything else that is worth noting today? 

Thankful for the many hands of help today.

 

May 23

600a woken an hour earlier than I wanted to get up. I’m so tired.

Sinuses congested much. Hot.

Well, glory! Ten visitors in church this morning. One soul saved.

Jordon not feeling well. Feels lethargic and weak. Told him to sit down.

Joe told me I looked pretty this morning without my asking. Told him I know I looked pretty bc I didn’t have to fish for compliment.

420p checked for Haley’s cup in both vehicles bc her parents cannot find it. Lost my balance and fell over in Joe’s truck. Hurt my left hip. Told Joe in case I forget later and wonder why my lft hip is hurting.

500p exhausted and feel like I’m going to pass out. Whole body hurts. Neck hurts. Headache mild. Back of head Burning chilling pain. Back throbbing intensely. Feels like someone is beating me up but no one is touching me. Rt hip throbbing. Legs throbbing like toothache. Feet sting. Lower lft leg tourniquet tightening feeling. Nerves feels jittery but like muscle spasms. Laying down for a bit.

1159 crashed for about an hour.

We all snacked on leftovers for dinner.   Worked on things for Jordon’s graduation. Invitation/Gift list typed up.

Senior photos orders. Saved almost $16 with coupon code. Yay!

Two loads washed & load of towels folded & put away.

Exhausted. Hurting. Rt side cramping. Legs ache horribly. Rt hip throbbing. Slight headache. Sinuses congested. Thirsty. Feet cold – had to wear socks for a while to warm them up. Toes tingly. Nerves tingly in feet & legs. Hands swollen and achy. Low back throbbing.

Night meds taken.

 

Hi there , how are you feeling

I’m feeling pretty good

Nice! What activities made you feel pretty good? 

Family , Relationship , Friends

List down why these things make you feel good

Had a good day at church. Good turn out for Homecoming Sunday with ten visitors and one teen saved. Everyone jumped in to help with getting lunch ready, clean up, etc.

 

Posted on

Lightning Strikes Journal Entries 19-20 May 2021

May 19

500 woken with a kiss . Much pain throughout body from head to toes stinging burning throbbing pain. Sinus pressure in face great.   No energy whatsoever.

Song on mind: In the morning when I rise…give me Jesus.

Bible Reading: 2 Chronicles 32-34, James 3:18-18

645 headache has become migraine. Head feels like it’s going to explode. Relpax taken. Wholetones music playing. Closing eyes for a bit.

940 migraine and head pressure has eased some though headache not completely gone. Still in extreme pain. Rt ear hurts.

 

1130 exhausted and still in much pain.  Headache. Neck hurts rt side. Rt ear hurts. Rt hip throbbing. Low back aches. Stinging burning throbbing pain throughout body. Lower lft leg tourniquet tightening feeling from just below knee to foot. Legs chilly. Skin itchy. Center of chest throbbing. The little I did today was too much. Ugh.

Thankful for new mercies of the Lord every morning.

Pm meds taken, but I forgot to take Am meds. Took 4 Ibuprofen about 8pm. It hasn’t touched pain.

1150 icy creeping burning chilly pain in center of chest

 

Hi there , how are you feeling

I’m feeling terrible

What activities made you feel terrible?

weather, Health , Exercise

 

List down why these things make you feel terrible

Change in weather- rain on horizon

Woke with migraine – head feels like it’s going to explode

In excruciating pain from head to toe, lethargic, lacking any energy

Decided to trim few branches on crepe myrtle tree…hurt more and out of breath

Attempted to scrub tub after forgetting I had sprayed it down…hurt more and out of breath

 

What are somethings that happened recently that you are thankful for?

  1. Able to cook dinner tonight in spite of pain
  2. A loving and understanding husband
  3. Dezirae mowed lawn today without my asking

 

May 20

650a woke thinking I overslept. Whole body still stinging burning throbbing pain but slightly less than y’day. Rt ear aches. Moth is dry like I slept with mouth open part of night. Headache rt side.

Bible Reading: 2 Chronicles 35-36, Romans 15:1-6

Bp 113/81 hr 70

Swished with peppermint mouthwash. Ooh! It burns! Tongue is covered again in white with lesions.

Song on mind: Till I’m grown. I must go to fetch the water, Till the day that I am grown.

It’s strange how some songs stick with you. We just watched Jungle Book recently. I wasn’t even paying attention much because I’m not particularly fond of the movie.

Tasks: add van to auto insurance, get church items needed at Sam’s club, take cardboard to recycle center, get rest of items at grocery store

I’m plum exhausted, out of breath, legs feel like brick balloons, stinging, burning, throbbing pain thru body, feel like I’m going to pass out.

2:40p Laying down for a bit.

 

Hi there , how are you feeling

I’m feeling just fine

What activities made you feel just fine? 

Exercise , Health , weather

List down why these things make you feel just fine

Just coming out of a bad couple of days which put me down in bed for most of day y’day from pain.

Took 1/2 meloxicam pill before leaving house to help ease pain. Few errands I ran exhausted me.

No wheelchairs available at Sam’s Club. Walked behind buggy slowly. Thankful it was a short list.

Asked God to provide a disability parking spot and an electric wheelchair at next store. God had both waiting for me. Thank you, Lord!

Anything else that is worth noting today? 

Exhausted but awake. Night meds taken.

Headache. Stinging pain thru body. Low back throbbing. Rt hip aches. Skin itchy.

Able to be an encouragement to a fellow lightning survivor today. It’s her 8th anniversary of surviving a lightning strike.

Stopped at DG on way home to get med for Jordon. Talked with guy at register. He had a cousin almost struck by lightning. It hit the stairs next to him causing concrete to explode into pieces that pierce his body. He was in critical condition for a few days but he survived. I told him I was struck inside on a sunny day. He chuckled and exclaimed oh man who has the bad luck? I didn’t respond…still trying to formulate a quirky response.

Since the world is topsy turvy right now whose to say it was bad luck? Maybe it’s not. I don’t see it as bad luck. I see it as a divine appointment which has directed my path to help others when they need it most.

Posted on

Lightning Strikes Journal Entries 17-18 May 2021

May 17

647 hurt all over like I worked out too much and then got run over

Bible Reading: Psalm 95:1-7, 2 Chronicles 25-27

 

May 18

500a woke to multiple muscles spasming thru body at rapid rate

730 trouble waking and hurting all over much pain. Neck hurts. Eyes hurt. Brain hurts little bit. Headache moderate.

Song on mind: There is sunshine in my soul today…

Bible Reading 2 Chronicles 28-31

1230p home again and I’m exhausted. Picked up friend and took her to an apt. Bought a few supplies for Sunday and dropped them off. Found culottes for the girls. I hope they fit. Straightened up little at church. Got tree svc info for Holly. Picked up diploma. Bank run. Forgot where I was going twice and Dezirae had to help direct me.  Ugh.

Made Instapot sweet potatoes for lunch. 10 minutes not long enough. Had to nuke for 1.5 longer. Sat to rest a while.

Picked up house a little. Feel like I’m going to pass out. Headache. Neck hurts. Hands ache. Nerves stinging. Lower lft leg tourniquet tightening feeling with numbness from calf to foot.

3:40 laying down a little while. Just about to fall asleep and phone lights up before I know it Joe’s calling to let me know he’s on way home.

Thankful Dezirae is making Shepherds Pie for dinner. I’m not hungry nor up to cooking.

700 craving bell peppers and cucumbers

Hi there , how are you feeling

I’m feeling terrible

What activities made you feel terrible?

weather, Health , Exercise

List down why these things make you feel terrible

Change in weather / barometric pressure makes my nerves sting and burn throughout body. Forcing self to get some chores done while nerves are stinging burning makes me hurt worse, brain foggy, headache, etc. Sinuses are a muck. Sinus pressure hurts in face.

Anything else that is worth noting today?

No appetite. Lethargic. Feel like I’ve been beat up and run over.

In bed by 815pm

Posted on

Lightning Strikes Journal Entries 15-16 May 2021

May 15

600 – woke to muscles spasming in torso mostly on lft side. Whole body stiff and achy. Eyes watery. Sinuses congested. Tired.

Bible Reading: 2 Chronicles 18-20, Ecclesiastes 11:5, Psalm 81:16

Song:

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus

There’s just something about that name

Master, Savior, Jesus

Like the fragrance after the rain

 

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus

Let all Heaven and earth proclaim

Kings and kingdoms will all pass away

But there’s something about that name

 

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus

There’s just something about that name

Master, Savior, Jesus

Like the fragrance after the rain

 

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus

Let all Heaven and earth proclaim

Kings and kingdoms will all pass away

But there’s something about that name

 

230 came home exhausted from teen Car Wash. Everyone pitched in and helped and had fun too. Raised almost enough for three campers. Praise the Lord.

Couldn’t push myself anymore. Had to lay down to nap. Felt myself passing out.  Fell asleep until 5pm

Think I found a meal planning system that’s working for me. Thankful I already had an easy dinner planned. Tuna casserole with butter beans.

Finished bulletins about 10:30p. Took shower. Arms fatigued out while washing my hair.

Lord, I need wisdom on what type Dr. treatment to seek out next.

 

May 16

630a took while to fall asleep. Strange dream. Whole body stiff and achy. Hot but clammy feeling. Arms numbish. Rt hip throbbing. Sinuses congested. Fingers tingling.

Bible Reading: 2 Chronicles 21-24, Psalm 89:24-37

Brain feels weird. Vision off. Peripheral vision off. Brain hurts. Headache.

I asked Joe a question (rationality of addictions). It didn’t come out right and made him extremely mad. Guess I’ll keep my distance til he calms down.

Later apologized for upsetting him it wasn’t my intention. I just don’t understand. Still don’t.

Purposely drank a soda for lunch to see if off feeling will improve. It didn’t. Not my sugar.

Search internet for possible answers…blood sugar…stroke

Go to CVS to use bp machine. Not allowed to use it. Tell pharm tech that I need to check bp to see if I need to go to hospital. He offers no help. Go to car to search other pharmacy in area that’s open. Called Walgreens. Talk with pharmacist. She gladly offers to take bp for me.

Allows me to sit 5 minutes to get accurate reading. Bp is 122/86. Pharmacist suggests I call my Dr to let them know what’s going on.

I ask question on support group if others have same issues. Several say they do.

Is your brain on fire? Symptoms of brain inflammation

654 sharp stabbing pain in rt temple for a minute. Hands stinging.

1050 exhausted. Sinuses congested. Headache. Brain still hurts and body off. Nerves sting thru body. Skin itchy. Neck hurts. Ears popping. Rt ear hurts. Lower lft leg tourniquet tightening feeling with tingling. Rt temple throbbing. Low back aches. Rt hip aches. Toes tingling. Lights bothersome. Muscles randomly spasming thru body

Posted on

Lightning Strikes Journal Entries 13-14 May 2021

May 13

Broken sleep. Woke with both arms and hands numbish and tingling. Sinuses congested. Thirsty. Whole body stiff and achy. Legs throbbing. Tired. Surface of mid and upper back stinging. Low back throbbing.

Bible Reading: 2 Chronicles 9-22, Proverbs 31:30

Interesting tidbit Solomon’s downfall possibly began when he started multiplying 666 pieces of gold in a year (9:13). Did the $ or the women turn his heart from God?

Slow moving today. Sorted pots and pans to take some to church to use there.

Decided I was hungry for Raisin Bran. Used 1% milk. Instant sinus congestion. Hope I can get this under control soon.

Try to work on blog and can’t find Joe’s laptop. I need it for the PowerPoint program. Ugh.

Legs hurt so bad they feel like they’re about to fall off.

300p taking 30 minute nap. I’m tired. Center of chest starting to throb with sharp pains keeping me awake. Remembered that I forgot to take ibuprofen today. Took some.

500 dinner didn’t cook right. Ugh. Have to cook the meatballs in microwave.

600 scatterbrained and having difficulty understand what people are saying. Having to make them repeat it several times.

700p rt hip throbbing. Head hurts.

Managed to get pkg in mail (which mailman didn’t bother to pick up. Grr!), & Homecoming postcards labeled and stamped.

1109o sharp pains in chest again. I’ve got to figure out how to remember to take the ibuprofen regimen consistently so I don’t have to go to Drs.

 

May 14

600 woke momentarily not knowing were I was nor what day it was. Center of chest sharp pain. Took Naproxen.

Whole body sharp achy pain. Sinuses congested. Arms throbbing like I worked out. Eyes watery. Headache. Very tired. Hands swollen and achy. Mouth dry and thirsty. Rt hip aches. Toes tingly.

Bible Reading: 2 Chronicles 13-17, Psalm 139:13-14

400p put tea on to make sweet tea for company, but forgot about it. I burned the water.  So embarrassed. Lol. It was funny though bc Joe said he smelled bread. I said I wasn’t making bread. Then I smelled something burning.

930p neck popped. Rt ear clogged and ringing instantly.

Posted on

Lightning Strikes Journal Entries 11-12 May 2021

May 11

800a woah I didn’t think I could hurt worse than last night. Feels like a combination of being beaten up exponentially and a rigorous workout. Every fiber of my being hurts.

Slept pretty good. Only woke couple times. One time woke to old hymn playing in my brain – one I hadn’t heard in a while. Can’t remember it now. Still tired and moving very slow.

Bible Reading: 2 Chronicles 2-5, Ephesians 4:32,

A fellow LS survivor asks the question Why me syndrome? I’m not sure how to answer bc I’ve not asked that. I’m thankful it was me and not my children. I wouldn’t even wish the constant pain and struggles on my enemies.

https://therevealer.org/the-patient-body-chronic-fatigue-syndromes-spiritual-causes-and-cures/

I know God has a purpose and a plan (Jeremiah 29:11) and nothing takes God by surprise (Isaiah 41:22-22, Psalm 139:16-17, Romans 8:28).

Beginning to wean myself off the propranolol. Start by taking only 1/2 pill at night – this starts 2nd week of doing so. If all goes well, I’ll reduce more next week.

Also, alternating reducing bp rx. 1/2 pill & 1/4 pill every other day. Been doing that for 2 weeks. Bp is 122/74 hr 62.

AM meds: Edarbyclor (1/2 & 1/4 pill every other day), Propranolol, Dexilant 30mg every other day, Echinacea, B12, Niacin, C

Pushed myself to transplant tomatoes to container garden so I won’t loose them.

Need to go get my flash drives from church so I can finish end of year grades. Need to get Jordon’s diploma soon.

Another thunderstorm coming, I can feel it.

Twill be down rest of day bc when I hurt this bad moving body is difficult and painful.

250 just finished Jordon’s and most of Raes grades. Brain hurts, head hurts, vision blurring, neck hurts, body hurts, very tired, thirsty, hot. Laying down for 30 minutes or so to rest brain.

900 center of chest hurting like I was punched. Whole body aches but not as bad as when I woke.

1030 finally finished grades for both Jordon & Rae for this school year. What a relief. Now to work on planning next year and submitting enrollment form to new cover school.

Need to focus on planning graduation ceremony to which I’ve never done before. . Lord, please help.

Slight headache, neck hurts, chest pain in center that radiates thru to back, arms, shoulders, and hands ache, hands swollen, legs and feet stinging burning throbbing pain, periodic sharp stabbing pain in arms during day, ears ringing, rt hip aches, tired but awake, cotton taste in mouth

Night meds taken, 3 Tylenol for pain, 1 tsp Colloidal Silver in water, 1 tsp Colloidal Silver swished in mouth. Can’t believe the difference on my tongue.

 

May 12

700 forgot I set alarm. It scared me awake causing muscle spasms on rt side of torso and chest. Deep breathing to calm. Took 5 minutes or so. My body aches deeply all over. Feels like I was badly beat up. Hurts to move.

Bible Reading: 2 Chronicles 6-8, Prob 31:10, 27-28

Balance check book and pay bills through this week.

1200 off to bid friends of MYSEAHOPE a fairwell as they are heading to St Vincent.

Dezirae got to help untie the ropes to help them head off on their voyage.

They gave me their van to help me get the therapy and treatment needed for my recovery. I wasn’t expecting that. It made me want to cry happy tears. I’ll miss them but pray for safe travels and that they’ll reach many souls for Him. Part of me wishes I could go.

3:45 center of chest hurting horribly. Heat pad on chest. Plus 4 Ibuprofen.

4:30 rt ear hurting. Ears ringing.

530 go to pick up van with Joe. I didn’t realize it had a moon roof that works! God is good. Talked with Hailey for while. She wanted me to sing to her several songs. Brain couldn’t think…only thought of few songs. She then requested Amazing Grace. She’s a sweetheart.

930 night meds taken. Tired but wide awake.

Whole body aches deeply. Hands swollen and throbbing. Rt ear hurts. Slight headache. Rt hip stinging throbbing. Stinging burning pain throughout body. Top of left foot feels like it was sliced with sharp knife but there’s nothing there. Center of chest throbbing with periodic sharp stabbing pain thru to back. Sinuses congested.

Thankful for…

  1. My own vehicle
  2. My family
  3. God’s grace
Verified by MonsterInsights