Thankful that my salvation and help come from the Lord!
Psalms 62:1-2
Lightning Strike Journal Entries 14-15 June 2019
June 14
7:00a- rt hip is throbbing!!! Tears leaking from eyes. Joe felt that it’s really swollen this morning. I must’ve overdid it yday. Ugh! Still trying to learn my limitations. Used pain roller blend to help ease pain and took Naproxen rx.
Headache
8:00a- Holy cow!!! I just received message from local news media asking to do an interview regarding what it’s like to recover from lightning strike. I agreed to do interview.
I’m excited but nervous. Praying for God’s wisdom and help to make aware the struggles of being a lightning survivor.
12:00p- phone interview lasted about an hour. I have migraine now. Took rx to ease headache. Laying down to rest for a bit.
1:30p- Joe taking me out for lunch. Hankerin for Greek food. Taking me to Jerusalem Cafe. Decided on Jerusalem Feast for Two. Food was delicious though the meat a little dry. Lamb had too much spice. My favorites were the Lentil soup and the Pistachio Baklava.
4:45p- I’m exhausted and really hurting. Icing rt hip down. Arms hurting. Nerves twitching. Center of chest aches. Upper back aches. Think I’m going to crash a while before prepping foods for tomorrow.
5:15p- crashed on chair in livingroom for 30 minutes. Aching all over. Lights bothersome. Neck hurts if I turn too far it shoots sharp pain down center of back. Lft shoulder throbbing.
Need my afternoon energy drink to make the dessert for tomorrow.
10:38p- rt hip still throbbing. Migraine eased to headache but still have it. Joe helped me make the dessert for tomorrow (Mississippi Mud Pie). Made it diabetic-friendly & gluten free.
Center of chest aches, lft shoulder aches, back aches with chilling sensation in center rt, low back aches, legs ache, muscles randomly twitching thru body, feet hurt, rt hip throbbing!, tourniquet feeling left lower leg, neck hurts. Skin starting to feel itchy.
11:38p- can’t sleep. Trying to listen to soothing music (wholetones) to help me sleep but rt ear swollen so that earbud wouldn’t fit. Rt ear hurts
Random hiccups. Dizzy.
June 15
7:00a- sharp shooting pain in rt arm to tip of pinky woke me thus am. Ugh! Lower back & rt hip throbbing like toothache. Headache. Yucky taste in mouth. Hands swollen and achy.
9:00a- PT exercises. Breathing, Supine push, Knee Rock, Half Squat to Chair, Standing hip side kick (slow), VOR 1 exercise, Breathing.
Standing hip side kick getting sharp pain in rt hip each time. Think I’ll stop til talk with therapist.
10:55a- trying to get things ready for Men’s activity. Cutting up tomatoes & cucumbers caused upper back & shoulders to sting. Had to step away & rest. Washing dishes and making tea caused lower back to throb like infected toothache! Had to sit & ice back for a bit. Ice therapy seems to work better than heating pad at times.
3:20p- feel like I’m crashing need t lay down a bit
5:00p- out for almost 2 hours. Still tired.
11:18p- not able to do too much rest of day. I hurt too too much. Rt hip throbbing with pain shooting down rt leg, low back throbbing, trying to not be grouchy but it’s hard, rt lower left leg tourniquit tighten feeling with some numbness in lft foot, rt eye socket hurts, hands swollen and achy, headache. Tried to wash dishes made me hurt worse. Muscles twitching throughout body.
Have to remind self to be thankful in the good and the painful. Maybe some sleep with ease pain.
Lightning Strikes Journal Entries 12-13 June 2019
June 12
8:00a- woke in a sweat like I broke fever
10:00a- letting kids go with Mom & Holly to the beach. I’m still wore out from y’day. Having trouble moving. I ache all over.
11:00a- worked on typing up my journal notes for February 2018. I know I need to post to blog but my brain has been taxed by buysiness lately it doesn’t want to be on computer. I’ll try more tomorrow.
12:20p- knowing kids were on way home decided to do it scared and take a shower while no one home. Thankfully, I didn’t fall, but quite wore out. It hurts to wash my hair or bend over to shave. Bathing has become such a chore. I don’t usually take shower/bath unless Joe’s home in case I fall. Feeling like I accomplished a feat today.
4:00p- starting birthday dinner for Dezirae. Moving very slowly today.
6:39p- Just finishing up eating dinner. Had to ask for help in preparation. Couldn’t open the green bean jars. 🙁 tourniquet feeling on lower left leg to foot with numbness most of day. Feel so lethargic. Forgot to take D.E. today – that helps me feel halfway human with a little gumption (not word I’m trying to think of).
7:00p- decided to take slo-o-ow walk with Joe, Dezirae, & Holly. Met part of new neighbors family. Need to make them some bread. Talked with other neighbor a piece. Thankful for the stops to catch my wind.
10:00p- my babies leave in am on excursion with my Mom & sisters. I’m gonna feel lost without them. My eyes are leaking already :(. Praying for their safety and hoping they have fun. They’ve been a BIG help with my being physically challenged now. They deserve a break.
I hurt all over. Low back throbbing, rt hip throbbing, neck hurts, toes hurt, feet cold (had socks on for hours), legs throbbing, head hurts slightly (that’s odd for me – it’s usually pounding by days end).
Still need to do my exercises trying to get motivated.
11:15p- upper back & shoulders burning, center of chest throbbing, ankles burning.
When I breath deep, I’m feeling fluttering in left chest. Feels weird.
Muscles randomly twitching throughout body
June 13
5:00a- babies left for trip this morning! I’m full of emotions – nervous, scared, worried, excited, proud, etc.
4:15p- entire back is tingling, lwft lower leg tourniquit feeling, rt ear hurts, tired
4:51p- started getting ready for church. . .out of breath just getting dressed. Both arms are throbbing after trying to fix my hair and makeup (Dezirae helps me fix my hair now). Lower left leg is now becoming numb. Headache. Need to rest in order to finish.
6:28p- rt hip throbbing – putting ice cold water bottle on it to see if it’ll help
Neck throbbing, tired/lethargic contemplating drinking coffee to see if it’ll ease tiredness and headache. One cup shouldn’t hurt.
So-o-o the half cup of instant coffee gave me some energy, but didn’t touch headache. Brain feels swirly & trouble focusing. Started to play intro to one of hymns for church and forgot the tune. Tried playing notes anyways to fuddle thry but it sounded aweful in my ears. I apologized explained reason and started intro at beginning of chorus. Ugh!
10:13p- I’m exhausted and hurting. Rt hip throbbing, legs throbbing, lower lft leg tourniquit tighten feeling with some numbness, knees ache, hands swollen and achy, neck aches, headache, sharp pain rt hnd, feet cold, lft foot tingly
The Napkin by Dianne McQueen
Welcome to Monday!!! Are you alive alert and enthusiastic?!? This week’s devotion is “The Napkin” written by Dianne Mcqueen. Please take the time to read as she shares her thoughts with us on folding a napkin! I hope you have the best Monday ever!!!
John 20:7 And the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself.
The Napkin
The gospel of John 20:7 tells us that the napkin which was placed over the face of Jesus was not just thrown aside like the other grave clothes. The Bible takes the entire verse to tell us that the napkin was neatly folded and was placed separately from the grave clothes. Early Sunday morning while it was still dark Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and found that the stone was rolled away from the entrance. She ran and found Simon Peter and the other disciples, John, the one whom Jesus loved. She said they have taken the Lord’s body out of the tomb and I don’t know where they have put him. Peter and the other disciple ran to the tomb to see …the other disciple, John, got there first. He stooped and looked in and saw that the linen cloth laying there but he didn’t go in. Then Simon Peter arrived and went inside. He also noticed the linen wrapping’s lying there while the cloth that had covered Jesus’s face was neatly folded up and lying to the side. Was that important ..absolutely, it is really significant.
It had to do with the Hebrew tradition of that day. The folded napkin had to do with the master and servant and every Jewish boy knew this tradition.
The servant set the dinner table the way the master wanted it.
The table was furnished perfectly and then the servant would wait just outside of sight until the master had finished eating. The servant would not dare touch the table until the master was finished. Now if the master were done eating, he would rise from the table wipe his fingers, his mouth and clean his beard and would wad up the napkin and toss it on the plate. The servant would then know to clean the table for in those days the wadded up napkin mean’t I’m done but if the master got up from the table and folded his napkin and laid it beside his plate the servant would not dare touch the napkin because the folded napkin meant I’m coming back.
Praise God we know he’s coming back and we look for his coming. Not even the angels in heaven know that day or hour, only God knows.
We don’t have those Hebrew traditions but the next time you’re done eating, consider where you put your napkin. Will you wad it up and put it on your plate because you’re done serving your Sunday school class, your bus route, working in the nursery, whatever ministry you have or will you fold it neatly, you’re coming back to because we haven’t finished our course, let’s get busy on our next course for the Lord
https://www.sappsolutely.com/devotions/the-napkin-diane-mcqueen
If There Be Any…PRAISE
Lightning Strikes Journal Entries 10-11 June 2019
June 10
7:30a- woke to splitting headache, low back throbbing, rt hip hurting, chest aching, bad taste in mouth, congested, & freezing. Need some thyme & oil of oregano tea.
9:45a- recvd call from atty. My hearing is scheduled for October 17th. She asked about my current medical care. I couldn’t find my clipboard and couldn’t remember where I put it. Apologized. Told her struggle with my memory. She understood.
I told her about bad experience with last neurologist. That it caused me to go in state of depression for little while – I cried for two days. Husband called spoke with head Dr sternly. Neurologist called later and apologized. Husband chewed him out. Saw new neurologist last Tuesday. Don’t like him either. Felt like his mind was made up before seeing me. Wanted to focus on anxiety and put me on more medicine. Scheduled apt with new clinic in two weeks. Need to get business card with their info on it so she can request records. Suppose to call her after I see them.
10:25a- feel like I’m breaking a fever
3:00- took kids to Sam’s & Wal-Mart. At Sam’s, only found one wheelchair partially charged, to get items they needed for their trip. Kids took it upon themselves to take turns pushing me thru store. No way was I gonna make it walking.
I’m exhausted and hurting. Chest throbbing. Took 4 Ibuprofuen and sat a while.
7:30p- Joe walked with me to stop sign and back with rest in between. Now resting on chair. Everything hurts. Eyes watering. Lungs & chest hurt to breath deep. Need more pain reliever. Think between exercises I’ve aggravated the Costocondritis. Ugh!
11:23p- took 4 Ibuprofuen. Used pain relief roll on.
Skin itches, hurt from head to toes, headache
June 11
5:30a- still hurting from head to toe. Took 4 Ibuprofuen. Forgot to plug phone in. Gonna try to get more sleep if possible.
11:27a- tbi mtg
1:00p- pt
2:14-Just getting out of PT. Blair had to correct how I was doing exercises. Excited to be helping. Because I have so many issues going on at one time, it’d be perfect for some of students to sit in on some sessions for problem solving.
Normally, when a medical professional says you have so many different problems… it would be cause for concern. BUT this is exciting to me!
The therapist asked today if I minded if students could sit in on several of the sessions because it would be good practice problem solving for them. I agreed to allow it.
I told her my prayer is if even one student decides to study the effects on lightning survivors in order to help others it would be great.
Therapist taxed my brain with more testing today and I’m exhausted.
First exercise assigned was Deep Breathing Exercise to help loosen up the tension throughout my body.
Deep Breathing Exercise
Deep Breathing helps you to relax. It also helps deliver more oxygen, lower blood pressure, releases endorphins to relieve pain, improve lymphatic system function, and relieve stress. This exercise can be done lying down or in seated position.
To start, put one hand on your belly and the other on your chest.
Take a deep, slow breath from your belly, and silently count to 5 as you breathe in.
Hold your breath, and silently count to 5.
Breathe out completely as you silently count from 1 to 7. Try to get all the air out of your lungs by the time you count to 7. Repeat for 5-20 minutes. You should feel more relaxed afterwards.
One of the additional exercises she gave me to do was a VOR (Vestibular Ocular Reflex) exercise. This is to help my eyes, inner ear, & brain recalibrate after damage to inner ear. It is good for balance & to calm the dizziness. I found a youtube link to help explain.
2:30p- still have errands to do bc kids going on trip with grandma & aunt. Lord, please help me endure.
11:45p- I’m exhausted exhausted having trouble falling asleep.
Lightning Strikes Journal Entries 8-9 June 2019
June 8
Habakkuk 3:18-19
Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.
The Lord God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds’ feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places.
7:30a- rough night. Took while to fall asleep. Woke around 1:30a with severe indigestion that I almost vomited. Took while to fall asleep again.
Woke in severe pain. Breathing exercise. Knee Rock exercise. Supine Push. Trying to breath out pain.
Folded load of clothes. Arms and chest hurt to tears. Need to rest. Headache begin. Took morning meds and pain rx. Going back to bed.
8:30a- Joe graciously suggested I stay home and rest today. I’m thankful. I don’t think pushing myself would be good idea so much today. Yday activities & thunderstorms kicked my butt.
9:30a- pain rx is finally taking edge of pain. Nap helped too. Probably sleep more.
11:45a- father’s day presents arrived today. Yeah! I’m not gonna be late…now to not lose them.
4:00p- went to thrift store with my sister, mom, & daughter trying to help my sister shop for items needed in Nepal. Found couple things for myself. Got Joe pair dress socks for father’s day.
6:00p- Dezirae helped me fix dinner – tacos. Joe asked what happened because it’s not Tuesday. I just told him thought I’d be different (it’s been Taco Tuesday since the Lego movie). I don’t really remember what I was thinking.
6:45p- decided to take walk after dinner. Able to walk to stop sign and back with long pause in middle.
7:45p- homemade donuts with family. Nice to talk for while.
10:40p- finished bulletins, finished posting January to blog, took shower & going to bed
I’m flat wore out. Legs & feet aching. Rt hip aching. Low back throbbing. Hands swollen and achy. Rt middle back aching. Neck hurts. Chest throbbing. Skin itching.
June 9
7:00a- woke to muscles randomly spazzing thru body.
8:00a- right arm throbbing at minutest movement. Headache.
10:15a- I just got extremely tired as if I’m gonna crash. Don’t know why.
1:31p- laying down to take nap. Ears ringing. Just heard a snapping in my head and felt jolt from top of head to lft shoulder. Made me jump. Low back throbbing. Need to pass out a while.
5:00p- took nap til 3pm. Thanks to new program able to write research passages for scripture journaling on next subject for March. Started resesrching plans for VBS.
10:28p- did third set exercises and chest is now throbbing on top of headache I’ve had since I heard the pop in my head. Took pain rx.
Arms aching, low back throbbing, rt hip aching, legs ache, tourniquet feeling left lower leg, feet aching, headache, lights bothersome, head hurts, skin itches, feet cold, hands swollen and achy, rt ear throbbing
Lightning Strikes Journal Entries 6-7 June 2019
June 6
5:00a- woke up thinking I was late. Ugh! Horrible pain in center of chest. Toe touch didn’t work. Used pain relief roll on and went back to bed.
7:00a- body aches but not as bad as usual. Think possibly exercises that PT gave me are helping.
7:30- decided to play wholetones mucis “open door” for first set of exercises this morning. Did devotions too while playing.
8:30a- weird tingling chilling sensation from neck down spine to middle of back . Need to ask therapist about it next visit.
11:31p- able to get kids end of year grades done and put in mail today. Having meals planned is a stress relief. Remembered to note what items I needed to get done today.
Started okay playing piano for church but progressively got worse. It was like my brain was too tired to coordinate my hands with my eyes. I wished someone could explain the science of that to me.
Joe preaching on Holy Spirit tonight. I started reading notes in Bible which made me think of other verses about Holy Spirit. I zoned out for little bit but was embarrassed because Joe called on me to agree with him on something but I didn’t hear what he said so I didn’t give reply he was hoping for. Made for giggles in church.
We discussed it afterwards. Joe was okay with it.
Relaxing before sleep I’m hurting all over and skin is prickly itchy. Yeast is trying to rear ugly head again though it’s never gone away comepletely. So wish I could find right combination.
Chest throbbing like toothache. Lifted a box too heavy for me and I felt it immediately. Being restricted in activity is quite a challenge.
I’m freezing though it’s still about 80 degrees outside. Joe says my skin is hot to the touch. Thighs ache.
June 7
7:00a- first woke early morning dreamt someone was at front door ringing door bell, banging on door trying to get it. It seemed so real! When I came to I listened for doorbell but didn’t hear it anymore. Not sure if I should get up and check it out. I got scared. Decided to pray a protective bubble around us to keep it away. Fell back asleep praying for everything I could remember needed prayer.
Able to do exercises and devotions before Joe woke. Exercises are making difference already but my muscles are soar. PT said to expect it.
9:00a- lots to do today. Pay first payment on car. Get insurance. Get tag. Get travel consent papers notarized. Get Joe to Dr for his BP & make apt with for me – changing Drs. I need to for my overall health. Still fighting thrush.
12:30p- we qualify for discount for medical care at the clinic. Joe has Dr apt at 1:30. I will make apt for future. Everyone has been real friendly. That’s plus for me. Uncaring Dr’s I’ve dealt with over past year or so have made me dread going to Dr. So very thankful God opened door for me to get physical therapy. I know it’ll be tough but worth it even to diminish headaches, regain my balance, combat muscles loss and fatigue. Feel like I lost 2 years of my life, but new doors have been opened and new friendships established I never would’ve considered before.
254p Praise report- I’ve been asking my doctor’s for the last two years for phyiscal therapy to no avail. They didn’t think I needed it nor would explain their reasoning. I finally (after horrible experience with neurologist) consulted with the coordinators of my brain injury support group for help. I am so glad I did. They not only were very supportive but were also able to help me get physical therapy thru the local college.
I had second apt this week. This week the therapist showed me four exercises to work on this week. I have already noticed a difference. She said these exercises were actually good for anyone to do.
I also took leap of faith and made apt with a new doctor today. I see him in two weeks.
3:00p- Joe had to see Dr today for his Bp. Joe & I are impressed with Dr’s courtesy and thoroughness. I took leap of faith and made apt with them. I see new Dr in two weeks.
I’m exhausted and really hurting. Feel like a crash is oncoming. Glad things are looking up in medical field.
4:00p- low back throbbing, eyes watering, headache bit much, muscles randomly spazzing
8:28p- made twice baked potatoes tonight for dinner. Though they were delicious I’m almost to tears in pain. Scooping the potatoes out caused too much pain!!
11:32p- still wide awake – pain not letting up. Migraine rx helped ease headache but naproxen not relieve chest pain (Costocondritis). If only I sleep. Tummy hurts too. Taking 4 Ibuprofuen.
Slow Cooker Easy Lasagna
Lightning Strikes Journal Entries 4-5 June 2019
June 4
Isaiah 51:11
Therefore the redeemed of the Lord shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and mourning shall flee away.
5am- rt hip throbbing and muscle spasming in lower back woke me up
Able to fall back asleep
9:47a- BP 128/87 I’m not sure today’s Dr apt went too well. Dr seemed to have mind made up before entering room. I think my folder is flagged. I didn’t say anything about last apt. Had Dezirae record apt so Joe can hear what he said.
He has same approach other Dr did…wait and gradually get better. Did say he wants to treat one symptom at a time. Won’t write script for physical therapy doesn’t think I need it. He focused on the anxiety issue and wanted to push more medicines. Thinks I need anxiety medicine & counseling for PTSD. Told him I didn’t want anxiety rx. Wrote me 2 new Rx’s. In tears by end of apt. I tried getting him to explain and repeat things but he seemed to get frustrated with me. I will definitely be looking for different route. The check out nurse confirmed that my file has been flagged about bad experience with previous doctor. She hoped today’s visit went better. Told her I wasn’t sure but would have to take time to process what was said first. I was frustrated but I’m not defeated.
I think I’m doing good combating the anxiety. I don’t want to see secular counsellor.
11:09p – went to preacher’s mtg in Gulfport, MS. Enjoyed services and got fed dinner too. Pastor Crane sent leftover BBQ pork home with us. PtL!
I’m exhausted and hurting. Muscles are spasming (they have been spasming a lot more lately). Lord, please direct my steps to the right Dr for me. Amen
June 5
7:30 – woke up from nightmare. I seem to have them more when I take muscle relaxers. Don’t like it. Need something else. Hence, reason so adamant about not taking anti-depressed drugs. If muscle relaxer does this, how messed up will they make me?
Whole body aches waking up. Neck hurts. Chilling sensation at base of neck to middle of back. Feet hurt.
12:36p- I messed up. Showed up to my PT apt 1 hour late!! Ugh!! Blair was gracious and worked with me still. Had me fill out questionnaire regarding my chronic pain. She showed me some exercises to help train my body to release the extra tension and one exercise with mutilpe benefits – half squat to chair (strength, endurance, motor control, & balance).
