Look and Live
Lightning Strikes Memoirs 23-24 February 2021
Feb 23
525 I’m so tired. Woke feeling very hot. Whole body hurts. Low back throbbing. Headache.
700 used the juicer Joe bought us. Made The Energized Juice – 3 carrots, 1/2 lemon, 1 pear, 1 green apple. I forgot about the ginger. Made 2 cups of juice. It tasted pretty good.
827 I’m flat exhausted already and need a nap. Laying down for half hour feel like I’m going to pass out.
936 hearing popping noises in my head
1200 been slowly working on gathering tax info. Finally finishe up mileage info but can’t remember how to enlarge font in excel so it’s legible when printing.
300 went to store to order Dezirae’s cake. Brought knee up to rest leg but hit the basket on the back. Ouch!!! Instant bruise just above knee. That hurts!!!
1035 just dawned on me that I misplaced the meal planner for the week and I cannot remember what was planned for tommorow. Might just do leftovers. Frustrating.
1030 whole body aches. Headache. Low back hurts. Upper back stings. Forearms sting & burn. Hands swollen & throbbing. Legs tingling burning. Lower lft leg tourniquet tightening feeling with some numbness. Feet tingling and burning – lft more than rt. Tired but awake.
Feb 24
500a woke with beginnings of a migraine. Whole body aches. Arms hurt.
Took one Excedrine migraine and laid back down for hour
900a this morning’s juice is Carrot Juice
Ingredients: 2 Carrots, 1 apple, 1/2 lemon, 1/8 tsp ground ginger.
1030 finally finished gathering info for taxes to give CPA. Glad that’s done. Now to make apt.
1130 headache
1030p sore all over. Exhausted. Legs ache. Lower lft leg tourniquet tightening feeling with numbness & tingling. Feet freezing.
Lightning Strikes Memoirs 21-22 February 2021
Feb 21
700 woke to both arms and hands numbish & tingling. Low back & rt hip throbbing. Sinuses congested. Calves intense aching. Feet ache. Neck hurts. Hurts to move. Tongue looks like war zone.
Saw a commercial earlier in week that show how different ailment resemble…joints stiff and achy had on metal garb like tin man in Wizard of Oz. I feel like all of the people shown in that commercial sometimes all at one time.
It feels nice to wake up in warm house.
950 enjoyed hugs from the kids today.
1030 took spiritual gifts survey in SS. Vision and brain blurring and tunneling. Headache hurts. Not good mix for playing piano.
1130 piano playing was a mess today. Asked to be cameraman today. Discovered I can’t take notes and watch camera at same time. Ugh! Joe is a wiggle worm more than I thought.
Legs are stinging. I’m a wiggle butt this morn too. Can’t get comfortable. It hurts to sit in pews.
Our how our perception of ourselves vary different from others. Recvd complement on my hair and was told it always looks pretty. Earlier I told Jordon I was having a bad hair day bc it was fuzzy and not cooperating.
1230 As I was watching video on making carmel or colored popcorn in oven, I could actually smell the popcorn cooking. Weird.
1250 smelled the rolls were beginning to burn in oven.
627 I get frustrated at times during services bc I have hard time keeping up. Just dawned on me that we live stream. I can go back and watch again to get what I miss.
Oh man, I just realized I misplaced my notebook…probably left it at home.
930 feet are freezing and feel like ice.
1130 freezing sensation moving up legs. Rt foot to ankle. Lft foot up bottom of calf. Lower lft leg tourniquet tightening feeling extending with minor numbness and tingling. Headache. Hands throbbing & swollen.
1159 low back stabbing throbbing. Stinging burning pain in both legs. Neck hurts. Stomach hurts.
♫That name is Jesus Sweet Rose of Sharon Spotless and Pure Lamb of God He’s the Waymaker Miracle Worker Peace Maker…That name is Jesus, Sweet Rose of Sharon Spotless and pure Lamb of God, Jesus, the Lion of Judah The promised Emmanuel, God’s Son, Jesus my Lord and Creator Who witnessed and conquered the brave, Jesus this worlds only Savior, Jesus what a wonderful name♫
I’ll fall asleep with His name on my mind.
Feb 22
515a woke burning up like I was running fever but wasn’t. Sore & stiff all over. Sinuses congested. Thirsty. Ears ringing. No energy this morning.
800 read Numbers 28-30, Psalm 113:8, 1 Peter 5:8-10
Could’ve slept longer but need to get up. Exhausted.
200 while visiting with friend today, her legs gave out and she fell. Thankfully she didn’t hurt herself too bad but it’s concerning me. Able to tend to cut on arm and though it was a challenge get her up off floor.
400 I’m really feeling picking up friend earlier. Whole body hurts and costochondritis is trying to rear its head. Took Naproxen. Glad I have easy dinner planned – spaghetti.
500p received Dr notes from neuropsychological testing. Notes were intriguing until I got to the part she thinks I’m depressed and needs a therapist. Yet she said I had a good support system. Some of notes seemed contradictory. Apparently I’m still pretty smart even above average in some areas though it perplexed her that my response time, attention, and comprehension is below normal. But I have to keep in mind that they can only compare me to the average of others my age and education level. She verbally admitted I had a TBI but her notes don’t indicate it. Frustrating. Gives some answers but poses more questions.
What part of the brain controls comprehension? Wernicke’s area?
What damage causes regular headaches & migraines?
https://mayfieldclinic.com/pe-anatbrain.htm
700 I’m exhausted and hurting. Ended up resting on couch rest of night.
1000 exhausted. Whole body sore like I did hard workout. Arms & hands ache.
“To Be Seen” by Theresa Schwenke!
Lightning Strikes Memoirs 2021 February 19-20
Feb 19
1000 woah! I must have been tired. Slept 10 hours. Whole body aches deep all over. Upper body & back aches exponetially like I overworked out in a gym. The only thing I did different yday was attempt to vacuum the livingroom. Tis good I was able to do so, but man the pain hurts.
Guy coming today to look at house about possibility of buying it. Not thrilled about moving (mainly the packing part), but curious to see how God is working in our lives.
1022 stepped on scale to check weight. I’m disgusted. Gained back the 6 lbs I just lost. Ugh!
Stopped drinking the juicing from store bc 95% of them have a little bit of banana in them. By weeks end, I almost went into anaphylaxis…throat was quite swollen to point I was having trouble swallowing & sinuses were severely congested. Had to take Benadryl to counteract. If I’m going to do juicing, it has to be on my own terms without bananas.
200 went to run errands for friend. When I got to firehouse, realized my phone was missing. I went into panic state of mind. Quick prayer asking Lord to keep my phone safe and help me find it quickly. Called pharmacy. Front clerk hadn’t seen it. Let her know I was on my way back to retrace steps. Once back at pharmacy, checked with pharmacist. When I was having trouble with paying for the rx, I set my phone on counter and forgot about it. Thankfully, pharmacy clerk put it up for me. I let front clerk know I found it. She remembered me from earlier bc I gave her a gospel tract.
Great article in this weeks Guardian Newspaper which gives a reasonably accurate and non-sensational explanation of the story of someone who was hit by lightning, and the help she got from the LS&ESSI:
930 chilling sensation at base of brain and back of neck. Asked Joe to feel back of neck to see if he could feel it. He said it was chilly to the touch but not bad like my back or chest gets. Told him I was just checking to make sure I was really felling it or not.
Feb 20
Went to church for few hours today to do some sprucing up and install lights at sign , on poats, and replace bulb in security light.
Unable to go out soul winning due to cold weather (29° brrr). High today was upper 50’s.
Joe decided to spend the night in mission house on way home. I got upset because I still had alot to do to get ready let alone pack clothes, makeup, toiletries, three meals, etc. Being thrown off my schedule throws me in a tizzy especially if I feel rushed. It upset Joe. After I completed bulletin and printing it, I calmed down enough to ask Joe to help me get ready. He agreed but was surprised at how much I packed just for one night. Lol
The lights the guys installed look good and certainly brighten up the sign and front yard at night.
Decided to change nail polish. Got frustrated bc it took me several hours and I kept messing up. Feet are freezing bc I painted toenails too.
Slight headache. Chilling sensation at base of neck and top of shoulders. Hands, wrists, & forearms swollen and throbbing. Low back & right hip throbbing. Legs ache. Funny taste in mouth. Tongue white patches. Allergy bumps on top of arms. Feet freezing & tingling. Toes tingling. Tired
Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus
Lightning Strikes Memoirs 2021 February 17-18
Feb 17
800 I’m done with this car. Dash lights came on and engine making weird noise. Pulled over side of highway. Called Joe. Able to turn around and make it to Wal-Mart parking lot
815 discovered serpentine belt fell off. Can’t drive car. Ugh! Can’t think straight. Need to go pray.
Prayers please. Daughter & I got stranded on road again this morning…the serpentine belt fell off. Thankfully we were able to get it to a parking lot this time.
Will have to borrow a car to get husband & son picked up from work this afternoon, then need to get car towed or fixed in its current location.
My faith is really being stretched. I’m done being stranded, but we are barely staying afloat after last month’s Covid encounter. I know God will work things out. He always does. I’m just a child inside a warrior’s armour needing time to cry a while.
Need God to provide a miracle. I just am in need of prayers.
It’s me, it’s me, O Lord,
Standin’ in the need of prayer;
It’s me, it’s me, O Lord,
Standin’ in the need of prayer.
Lately, I’ve been winning
Battles left and right
But even winners can get
Wounded in the fight
People say that I’m amazing
Strong beyond my years
But they don’t see inside of me
I’m hiding all the tears
They don’t know that
I go running home when I fall down
They don’t know Who picks me
Up when no one is around
I drop my sword and cry for just a while
‘Cause deep inside this armor
The warrior is a child
1120 mechanic friend called to say he could help this afternoon.
1230 friend discovered water pump went bad which caused belt to throw. Several phone calls to find one in stock.
145 Mom picked up Jordon from work.
426 still in store pkg lot. Couple trips so far inside store to get oil, antifreeze, & rt sealant.
Legs are burning from walking. Had to try to turn wheel but it was locked in place at first. Had to have help turning wheel. Arms burning. Every inch of me is stinging.
449 I’ve walked almost 3 miles today (6717 steps).
830 feet freezing ice cold. Icy sensation in left shoulder like an ice pack is on it but it’s not.
1000 crashed on couch for hour or so. So exhausted from days events. Ended up walking little over 3 miles today. Exhausted from the exercise and stress. Lips chapped and burning from being dehydrated and going all day without eating till dinner. Face flushed and hot. Headache. Neck hurts. Center of back, lft shoulder & upper lft arm icy cold. Feet freezing cold. Center of tongue feels like I tried to scrap my taste buds off. Sides cramping horribly. Whole body throbbing. Ready to crash again. Night meds taken plus naproxen. Applied carmex to lips. Drinking water for thirst.
Feb 18
Exhausted. Whole body aches. Headache. Thirsty. Feel like I’m dehydrated.
Read Numbers 18-20, Psalm 113:18, Romans 8:38-39
700 picking up/tidying livingroom, vacuumed, & disinfected with Lysol Spray.
Wore out.
900 TBI coordinator came for visit. Had intern with her. Was suppose to go over neurophyschological testing report but I didn’t get mine. Dr was amazed at how I tested superior in some things but below normal in others. Makes me curious.
Coordinator was amazed that I was doing so well in my word retrieval today. Even more amazed I am driving. Told her no one ever told me not to drive so I haven’t stopped and I don’t go anywhere alone. I still hate driving on interstate but learning to adapt and face fears one at a time.
May be able to offer assistance with mtg payment since Joe was out of work due to Covid. She will check and forward info to me.
Will send me copy of report. I am to read over it and write down any questions. Dr Ogden has some recommendations to follow. Coordinator said she understands I don’t like certain things, but they are recommendations. It’s at least a starting point to help overcome the TBI. That statement kind of makes me little leary of what Dr suggested.
It is what it is. I am advocate for my own health. Dr’s can suggest things all day but it doesn’t mean I have to like it or do it if I don’t feel it is in my best interest. I have dealt suspicion what one thing is.
1000 feeling very lethargic. Deciding to rest a while.
Dozed off in church not sure how long. Jerked awake.
1230 Mom told me that she’s been searching for brain injury info -Drs who help TBI. She talked to a brain injury specialist about her recent incident at Lowe’s. He offered her a tour of the facilities. She also asked him if he’s treated lightning survivors. He chuckled. She told him it’s not a joke. My daughter was struck by lightning. He proceeded to explain that being struck by lightning is a rare occurrence. He got excited and asked to meet me.
230 very tired. Face feels flushed. Cheeks & ears feel like their on fire. Thirsty. Need to rest a bit.
Love your enemy?
Lightning Strikes Memoirs 2021 February 15-16
Feb 15
545a throat not as swollen. Benadryl helped. Need to learn how to juice on my own. 90% of store juices have bananas in them of which I’m allergic to. Whole body aches but not as bad as the weekend. Sinuses congested. Headache. Exhausted.
Every gasp of nervousness or fear on interstate or in traffic causes my nerves to sting! Semi just cut us off.
Psalms 56:3 What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.
650 back home safe. Headache worsening. Load in washer. Need to rest a bit.
800 didn’t plan on sleeping that long.
300 stopped at Wal-Mart to get few items with kids.
400 on way to pick up Joe from work, guy cuts me off. Scares me but bc he’s on Dezirae’s side it make me angry . I think it through and just decide to blubber to myself. Don’t hurt my baby girl or I’ll hurt you.
728 costochondritis rearing its ugly head! Sharp immense stabbing pain in center of chest. Chest keeps popping if I move much in any direction. Reclining in chair with heating pad square in center of chest.
Stretches to ease costochondritis pain
https://costochondritis.com/stretches-for-costochondritis/
930 high pitch ringing sound in let ear lasting a minute
1000 using heating pad to warm bed up. Head spinning. Back throbbing. Sharp stabbing pain in chest. Arms & hands throbbing. Head pounding. Neck hurts. Feet chilly. Chilling tingling sensation at base of brain. Ears starting to get chilly. Exhausted. All the running back and forth drains me.
Feb 16
700 hard freeze warning…it’s 20° outside.
Woke to arms and hands tingling. Sinuses congested. Headache. Neck hurts. Feels like I broke a fever. Whole body aches deeply. Tired. Calves burn as if I just walked a mile. Feet feel like I’m stepping on broken glass as I stand. Vision is blurry making reading very difficult. Low back throbbing.
Read Numbers 14-15, 1 John 3:10-12, Psalm 69:13,
1000 Curious? Do you ever find yourself gazing over your life and just feel overwhelmed by God’s grace?
As I’m trying to gather information for taxes, I begin to think about my children… We will have one graduating from college and getting married next year. Our second son graduates high school this year, and then I will only need to prepare curriculum for our daughter who will be a Sophomore in high school. All I can say is Thank you, Lord!
You see I was struck by lightning 3.5 years ago. I sustained multiple health issues as a result…TBI (traumatic brain injury) is one of them. Many of my symptoms will most likely be lifelong and majority of doctors have no idea how to help. Though I look fine on the outside, I am in constant pain and headaches/migraines are a regular occurrence.
I feel like I lost three years of my life because I was just surviving and barely could comprehend what was going on in my life. Yet, I strove to keep moving forward while leaning on the Lord and my family. It was sometime last year that the fog I was living in began feeling like it was lifting and life began looking a bit clearer. Miraculously our brains are designed to heal themselves.
I stand amazed at how the Lord is bringing me through and is allowing me to continue to be used for His glory.
Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
1200 center of chest is hurting horribly!!!! Sharp stabbing pain stops me in my tracks.
530 worked on trying to gather tax info for CPA most of day with breaks in between. Migraine oncoming. Brain hurts. Vision blurred & fogged. Feet freezing. Chilling sensation at base of brain. Took Excedrine migraine to stop it. Resting for night. Almost ready to take info to CPA I think.
550 center of back freezing cold.
1120 took several hours for feet to warm up to room temp. Migraine gone but still have bad headache. Took night meds. Noticed I forgot to take morn meds. Oh bother.
Lightning Strikes Memoirs 2021 February 12-14
Feb 12
700 so much pain!!! Feel like I received a beat down. Head pounding. Whole body throbbing.
740 Joe was sweet and brought me hot tea. Said it was his thank you for doing awesome job trying to keep him calm thru the frustration of fixing the car. Awh!!
Read Number 7, Psalm 40:8
750 discovered it’s raining outside. Praying for Joe as he borrowed a car to go renew his license and exchange the part.
800 Two (2) weeks ago I started limiting my sugar intake more. Seriously reduced sodas. Began drinking smoothies or juices for breakfasts. Drinking more water.
I’ve noticed less abdominal pain and less bloating feeling. I’ve even been pushing myself to do more around the house and walk more instead of using wheelchair except on days my legs feel really weak and wobbly. Stepped on scale this morning… I’ve lost 10lbs!
1150 recvd call from Joe. Car is fixed!!!! Hallelujah!
1100p very lethargic feeling all day and it hurts to move much. Kept dosing off and on today. Hopefully get good night sleep and feel better tomorrow.
Skin hypersensitive. Sheets feel like I’m laying on gritty pebbles and it’s irritating me. Head pounding. Took night meds plus naproxen.
Trying to get comfortable. Rt hip popped loudly. Ouch! That hurt.
Feb 13
1045 can’t believe I slept that long. Nightmares. Deep bone and throbbing pain all over. I hurt worse than yday. It hurts to move. Bad headache. Can tell I haven’t taken much vitamin C or calcium lately. Need to remember to keep saturation levels up.
http://www.doctoryourself.com/fibromyalgia.html
500 the loud booming music from cars hurts my brain and bones!
1000p costochondritis feels likes its fairing up. Center of chest feels caught and hurts like the dickens!!! Moved to uncatch it popped few times. Headache. Whole body hurts. Tired
Feb 14
700 tried to grab alarm to snooze but couldn’t control hand nor close it to grip and dropped my phone. Whole body hurts, but not as bad as yday. Feet feel like stepping on broken glass. Sinuses congested.
740 throat is swollen. Had trouble swallowing morning meds & vitamins. Not sure what I ate yday to cause it to flair up.?
Hands are so swollen my ring on my left hand is cutting circulation off. Eyes feel heavy and I even took extra vitamin for energy.
1115 vision starting to get cloudy while trying to focus on the sheet music. Wish I knew how to explain exactly…vision gets cloudy/blurry but I can still see right in front of me, but the peripheral vision begins to enclose like a tunnel. The vision in front gets to be like I’m trying to look through a sheet of water. Still get easily distracted by noises around me but am getting better at channeling my attention. Center of chest pain increasing. Throat hurts. Sinuses calmed down.
900 chilling burning sensation at base of brain traveling down spine down back. Lights bothersome.
958 I’m freezing. Literally shivering in bed. Glad I don’t live up North bc I’d be a popsicle. Lord, please protect those in winter advisery weather keep them safe and warm.
Throat still swollen. Difficulty swallowing. Almost choked on night meds. Took naproxen & 1/2 Benadryl to see if that’ll help. Center of chest throbbing stabbing pain. Lips chapped. Headache. Hands swollen & throbbing. Whole body deep achy pain. Sharp pain inner side of elbow area. Very tired. Stuffy nose. Sinuses congested.
