Author: Melissa

August 17, 2017

12:18am – It’s frustrating knowing that I used to know how to do certain things and now I can’t remember how to do it (phone).

2:50am – Woke up to a phone call.  It was a scam call.  Ugh!  They shouldn’t be allow to call people that late at night.

My back is still throbbing…have to wait another 1.5 hours til I can take another pain pill.  Ugh!  I’m tired of pain.

5:29pm – Hurting all day.  Pain pill haven’t touched it today.  It’s a wonder people don’t keep pushing forward to try to recover from injuries.  I really need to rest, but Jakob leaves for college next weekend & homeschool officially starts on Monday.

August 18, 2017

9:36am – Slept good last night.  Magnesium helping.  Ache all over, neck hurts.

3:12pm – Nosebleeds are frustrating

5:00pm – One child’s lesson plans down for a month down…one to go…

10:13pm – Getting chill down spine on back from neck to middle of back, muscle cramping in neck, knees hurt, top right let has hot sensation.

August 19, 2017

Woke up with small headache and slight bloody nose.  BP 137/98.  Stepped on tack.  It hurt going in, but I didn’t feel it after that.  Joe took it out for me (didn’t feel that either).

11:09 – Ringing in left ear – only lasted about 30 minutes

10:36pm – Had my parents take me and the teens to the Back 2 School Bash at PCC today.  I didn’t want the kids to miss out on account of me. The kids were afraid to leave me at first.  I promised I would stay put unless I had help.  They were okay with that.

It was a struggle at times.  All the noise was too much for me at times.  At times, I hurt so bad that tears streamed my cheeks.     I just wanted to crawl in corner and hide, but I wanted the kids to have some fun more.  This whole ordeal has not only affected me – it’s affected the whole family.

I am wore out.  I hurt all over, headache, stuffy bloody nose, heart beating hard & fast, eyes watering.

Glad they were able to have some fun for a change.  Guys played ball, bowling, ice skating, rock climbing, and more.

Lord, please help me to not hurt so bad in morning.  I have to last for Jakob’s College send off party after church tomorrow night then I can crash.

Posted on Facebook sometime today –      It’s mind boggling that we will be taking Jakob to college in less than a week! I’m excited about his next chapter preparing for missions, but will also miss having him home. He’s been a big help at home and church especially since my accident in July.
I know that he will be in good hands at Tri-State Baptist College. I also know that God will take care of him.  Philippians 4:19

August 14, 2017

Did you know?
“Lightning can strike more than 100 miles from a thunderstorm.” -Outdoors360

https://outdoors360.com/lightning-can-strike-100-miles-thunderstorm-heres/

*If you’re interested, there’s also a link at the bottom of page at the above link that will take you to another website that discusses how lightning does strike from that far away.  My mind is blown away at all this information. There are some pretty cool videos about lightning strikes that you can view on this website.

I haven’t personally taken the time to view a lot of them.  Right now I’m doing good if I can sit in front of a computer for longer than 30 minutes without getting a headache.

Symptoms/Happenings today:

Heart feels like its beating hard.  Muscles twitching from neck down.  Indigestion.  Dizzy & unbalanced (constant, but worse when I move too fast).  Confused easily.  Easily frustrated.  Pain level at a 7 today.  Forget things easily.  Tire out easily.  Trouble sleeping.  Word finding difficulty. Trouble with spelling and/or flipping letters or numbers.  Sensitive to bright lights and loud sounds.  Trouble with reading out loud.

August 15, 2017

I overdid it today…my back is throbbing, exhausted, etc.

August 16, 2017

Woke up in so much pain…feels like I got beat up again.  It hurts to move.  Headache, stuffy nose, bloody nose, whole nine yards, etc.

Thanks for tagging along with me on my journey.  Until next time…

August 12, 2017

11:18am – I’m freezing!!!  It’s 78 degrees.  Can’t move fast or I get dizzy.  My whole body aches.

12:47pm – Praise:  I went to the eye Dr this week.  Dr. was very nice and understanding though I was in pain.  He said that from what he could see I have no permanent eye damage (I even have same script from 5 years ago).  He gave Rx for eye drops to calm my eyes.  Believes my side effects stem from neurological damage.

4:20pm – I hurt all over.  It’s a chore to move.  My heart feels like its beating fast.  I’m tired.

I’m warmed up though.  It took a couple hours with socks on feet and under blanket.

10:22pm – Had to take a pain pill so I could go to church for kids Back 2 School party.  Sat most of the time, but was able to take pictures and be there.  Enjoyed the fellowship.  Don’t like having to wear sunglasses, but it helps me not be so dizzy from lights bothering my eyes.

August 13, 2017

9:23am – Feeling woozy this morning and cold.

1:37pm – Left second toe feels like the tip was ripped off, but there’s nothing wrong with it.  My whole body aches.  Muscle spasms in back are almost too much to handle.

11:02pm – Nausceousness eased about 5pm.  Muscle spasms eased after taking Aleve about 5:30pm.

If I remember correctly, it’s not proper speaking etiquette to begin your speech with an apology, but oh well.   I apologize for not being on lately.  My world has been topsy-turvy the last couple weeks or so.

About two weeks ago I overdid it with my activities including putting up letters on a bulletin board at church.  I was already hurting more than normal, but was by bedtime every inch of me was hurting extremely!!!

When I hurt this bad, I do not sleep well nor do I even feel like eating.  I did manage to drink a smoothie because I know I at least need sustenance.  I do make sure that my kids are taken care of for the most part.  They are such a big help and have been very supportive through this life change.  I thank the Lord for my miracle children every day even on the days that they frustrate me so.

Anyways,  I  when I overdo it  I’m usually down for the count for several days.  When I saw down for the count, I mean chores go undone, kids make the meals, and I am usually in bed or on the couch curled up with a heating pad, a bottle of my homemade pain roller blend, and most likely have to take pain pills more than I would like to just until the pain subsides enough that I can at least ignore it momentarily.

Last week, I attempted to harvest and can pumpkin, but had issues with not only my strength and stamina but also my pressure canner.  What a mess that day turned out to be !!  I’ll share that story later.

I went to a brain injury support group session today so my brain hurts from the extra activity.  I need to rest for now, but I will do my best to update more posts tomorrow.  Until then…

P.S.  Thank you for sticking with me on this journey, I pray that it is not only a blessing to someone else but maybe also helping someone else out along the way.

August 9, 2017

Did you know?
According to www.lightingsaftey.com, 80% of lightning strike victims survive, but 25% of them suffer major after effects.

*Been trying to research information about recovering from being struck by lightning on the internet.  Very little information if any.  Why isn’t this phenomenon studied out more?

Symptoms/Happenings today:

Woke up in pain and feel like crying.  My eyes hurt so bad.

Able to be seen by Eye Doctor today.  Thankfully, I have no permanent eye damage.  Doctor says that my vision seems to be the same.  He prescribed eye drops to help calm my eyes some.  He said that he felt that most my symptoms are neurological.

My eyes hurt.  When I close my eyes, it feels like I’m on a boat in the middle of a choppy ocean.  I wished it calm down so I can rest.

August 10, 2017

Did you know?
“Lightning can heat the air it passes through to 50,000 degrees Fahrenheit (5 times hotter than the surface of the sun).”  www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov

A good safety tip according to this website, “When thunder roars, go indoors” because there is no safe place outside in a storm.  This site is full of good safety tips about all kinds of weather.

I guess my case is a little more abnormal than usual because it was not storming outside – it was a sunny morning & I was indoors.  :0

Symptoms/Happenings today:

12:35 – Had to balance checkbook today.  Discovered I hadn’t done July’s!  I got confused and temporarily forgot what to do.  I got so worked up that I couldn’t remember what to do that I cried for a while.   (I can’t believe I forgot how to balance a checkbook.  I used to be an accountant for a couple of companies. I was good in math.  How can I not remember?  This is crazy!)  Stopped and asked God to help me remember.

It took me several hours because all the numbers kept blurring and jumbling.  I finally managed to get it balanced.  I have a major headache now though.

3:53pm – Had to cut Joe’s hair for an interview.  Had a dizzy spell afterwards and had to rest a while.  I’ve had a headache most of the day and nothing seems to be touching it.  If only I could get rid of this headache.

10:27pm – Able to play piano for church tonight, but had to wear sunglasses as my eyes were extra sensitive to the lights today.  Headache all day.

Almost fell several times today due to dizziness and feeling unbalanced.  Able to catch myself so as to not actually fall.

August 11, 2017

It’s been a rough day for me.  I’m thankful that our children are old enough to help with the cooking when I am not able.
Teaching your children to learn to love to cook has many future benefits. 😊 Thank you, Lord!

Symptoms/Happenings today:

8:36am – Eyes are little blurry when I awoke, but felt okay until I moved too fast and fell back on the bed.

12:30pm – Mom took me to the P.O., Dollar Tree, & Walmart to get stuff for PABC Back 2 School party.  I sat in Special Needs chair being pushed thru Walmart.  Kids had to do the shopping for me.

Mom saw a couple of paramedics and asked them if they ever dealt with lightning strike victims & what Dr to see.  They said a Neurologist and that I’m lucky to be alive.  I told them I was with God’s help.

Mom insisted I stay in cart to be pushed to the car.  I couldn’t handle it – shaking my head going across the pavement made me feel nauseous!! Had to get out & walk with cane.

4:31pm – Got chilled and goose bumps appeared all over skin.  It’s 87 degrees outside and no air in the car.  Makes no sense.

6:27pm – Muscles in back are aching horribly and twitching like I’ve overdone it today.  I hope not.  Taking a pain rx.

August 6, 2017

8:08am – I hate taking so much Rx!  Bp is 137/92.  I don’t like feeling like this…unbalanced, back pain, dizzy, & something’s wrong 🙁

I can only move at a turtle’s pace or I get dizzy.

11:23am – Couldn’t play the piano for church today – too dizzy.  It was nice singing for a change, but some of the music notes made me dizzy.  It was like I could see the notes dancing off the page making me dizzy.  I had to stop.

8:34pm – My eyes are hurting and sensitive to bright lights.  Have to wear sunglasses inside.

For those whose ailments make it difficult to go to church, I understand now. I’m not going to let my current trial keep me from church.
I loved all the (((hugs))) from the kids today. It made my day.  I’m flat wore out, but feel blessed.

August 7, 2107

I love how God puts nuggets of love in His Word for us.

“Zephaniah 3:17 – The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.”

8:38am – Took a little while to fall asleep last night because just as I was drifting off my body would unexpectedly jerk and wake me up.  Did it several times.  Joe sweetly kissed me on my cheek several times made me feel loved and safe.

10:35am- Slept hard last night once I fell asleep.  Woke up with crick in my right neck.  Haven’t slept that hard in a long time.

August 8, 2017

4:05am – Woke up in a lot of pain shortly after 4am.

Took pain pill.  Mind started racing and when I closed my eyes it felt as if I was sitting in front of slot machines.  Too much spinning going on.  It took a long time to fall back to sleep.

4:36pm – Back has been hurting more than normal today.  Now has cooling sensation on left side.

Trouble messing up sayings and word. (ie. thinking outside the bubble)

Figured out the hard way if I try to lift anything it causes much pain in my back later.

9:45pm – Very dizzy today.  Joe’s sick.  Joe had fender bender at work today.  Joe also got call for job interview tomorrow, but he has to run store by himself tomorrow.  Praying hard God makes a way for him to get better paying job.

Joe called me to let me know what happened while I was in line waiting for something. By the time it was my turn, I was balling like a baby.  I couldn’t contain the sorrow.  A nice lady asked was going on and prayed with me.  Said that she would put me on her church’s prayer list.

10.33pm – Random muscle jerking as I’m falling asleep.  This is going to be a long night.

August 6, 2018

Heard this song today on the radio today.  It has special meaning to me as I heard it for the first time after we had our first miscarriage back in November of 2000.  It sure was an encouragement to me today.

BETTER THAN I (from: Joseph: King of Dreams)

by David Campbell & John Bucchino

I thought I did what’s right
I thought I had the answers
I thought I chose the surest road
But that road brought me here
So I put up a fight
And told you how to help me
Now just when I have given up
The truth is coming clear

Chorus:
You know better than I
You know the way
I’ve let go the need to know why
For You know better than I

If this has been a test
I cannot see the reason
But maybe knowing
I don’t know is part of getting through
I tried to do what’s best
But faith has made it easy
To see the best thing I can do
Is to put my trust in You.

Chorus:
For, You know better than I
You know the way
I’ve let go the need to know why
For You know better than I

Coda:
I saw one cloud and thought it was a sky
I saw a bird and thought that I could follow
But it was You who taught that bird to fly
If I let You reach me
Will You teach me.
(Repeat Chorus )

For, You know better than I
You know the way
I’ve let go the need to know why
I’ll take what answers you supply
You know better than I

August 2, 2017

Muscles in my back hurt so bad that I want to cry.   I’m taking muscle relaxer so I can go to sleep.

 

August 3, 2017

8.52am – Woke up in much pain and my head hurts!

10.58am – Saw my Dr. today.  Dr said I was making small improvements (that’s good). My blood pressure was 171/11 & temperature was 95.  I’m in a lot of pain today.  I may have some nerve damage.  He’s referring me to Neurologist. Given Rx for pain & muscle spasms.  Dr says it’s going to take a while to heal. Nerve damage can take several months to heal.

Thankful that I’m still kicking (not literally).  Going to try to keep pushing forward as I’m able to encourage healing.  God’s got this.   You’re continued prayers are appreciated.

11:00am – Stopped in to see my Mom (she works at Chiropractor’s) to say “Happy Birthday”.   Dr. Shouppe has not treated one (1) lightning strike victim in 31 years of practice (I’ll be his first)!   Dr. said asked me some questions.   My mom has also been talking about me.   Dr said I suffered nerve damage and that takes the longest to heal from several months to more months.

He encouraged me to stay active as I can endure it to encourage healing.  Suggested I play card games and multi-sensory activities.

 

August 4, 2017

8:48am – Long night.   Woke up feeling like someone punched me in the back.  Left eye is blurry.

2.41pm – Not feeling well.   Feel like I’m gonna hurl.   Left eyes still aches.

6:11pm – Thunderstorm going on.   Laying in bed with my eyes closed. Saw a blue streak of lightning and it scared me!!!   Body immediately tensed up!   This is not fun.   Lord, please help me.

11:13pm – Blood pressure is extremely high.   Took Epsom Salt bath, BC powder, and a second blood pressure pill.

 

August 5, 2017

10:57am – Cried myself to sleep last night.   I feel a little better than yesterday, but still feel yucky.   Blood pressure is still up 140/95.

6:00pm – Finally got my blood pressure down after eating fruit, taking magnesium 500mg, fruit smoothie with diatomaceous earth, and ¼ aspirin tablet.

Tried to make dinner, but only got half way through before my back pain was too much.  Had to ask for help.