Author: Melissa

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.

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

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.

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). 

June 1

7:30- tired of waking up to hurting all over but need to be thankful I woke up and have one more day to serve the Lord.

9:30- throat & jaw hurt from singing. Ugh! 

June 2

7:00a- whole body aches, trouble getting up bc every move I make inflicts more pain, severely congested, headache

8:45a- keeping journal of all my pains is depressing. Hope I don’t have to do it much longer. 

9:20p- good day overall. Talked with Jakob for while, visitor at church, sweet fellowship at church too

10:30p- I’m exhausted and aching. Feels like I’m gonna crash.

June 3

3:00a- woke to severe stomach cramping…ended up curled up in ball to fall back asleep

5:00a- woke to intense lower back & rt hip throbbing and muscle randomly twitching throughout body…repositioned to ease pain so I could get back to sleep

7:30a- whole body aches

5:14p- been trying to type up notes for Drs next couple days in between chores. 

May 30

8:00a- body hurts all over. Hurts to move. 

8:50a- bloody nose – only thing different doing is taking flexeril for muscle spasms at night before bed. Ugh! Bp 118/74

9:00a- getting ready (makeup & hair) causes horrible muscle spasms in my rt arm & hand. It’s almost as if it’s stuck in perpetual spasm mode. 

1:00p- took kids to Wendy’s for lunch. All the different patterns made me dizzy. Had to hold onto Jordon’s arm to keep me from falling. Upon ordering, I had to have the cashier repeat herself 3 times and I still didn’t understand her verbiage. Had to have Dezirae repeat what she said. 

3:00p- tried to go to Payless to get shoes but they already closed permanently. Shoes for kids. Stopped at Goodwill, Dirt Cheap, & Ross’s. Found $100 shoes for Dezirae for $9, but nothing for Jordon yet.

Anxiety kicks in horribly when driving especially on interstate/highways. Have to listen to classical music and pray a protective bubble around us to keep it to minimum. Have to have kids help me bc I don’t have good turning range in neck anymore.

10:24p- I’m exhausted from day but can’t sleep. 

https://www.healthline.com/health/musculoskeletal-disorders#treatment

May 31

8:30a- rough night. Severe stomach cramping woke me up at 1:45am. Took long time to get back to sleep. Whole body aches and musclez randomly twitching/ spasming throughout body. Need to get up to distract brain from pain.

https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003296.htm

10:37 headache, neck and shoulders hurt

2:57 – I have no energy today. Pushing myself to wash clothes, went to bank to get register to balance checkbook (that took over an hour) so I can pay month’s end bills. Feel lethargic and weak. Body hurts all over.

Trouble with vision (blurry) and speech  (words not coming out I was going to say “why you shaking your head” instead of “hand”?)

It’s been really hard to keep two journals going. 

5:24p- making dinner. Most activity brings on pain. Knowing now that I have musculoskeletal problems answers why I hurt but I’m not sure if or how to fix it. I’ll find out more next week. Doesn’t make it any easier.

On days it seems as if everything is a hassle, remember that the sweetest victories come often after the greatest challenges. Lord, help me to listen to You gently whispering, “Don’t quit, my child. Don’t quit now.”

Hebrews 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us , and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

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May 27

7:00a- rough night – sharp pain in rt hip couldn’t get comfortable. Had Joe rub it – said it felt like it was out of place and swollen

Trouble getting motivated to move – whole body aches

4:23p- kids are bowling

May 28

7:00a- whole body aches feels like I got beat up, don’t want to move. 

Today we return home. I’ll miss my Bubba.

Today is bitterwseet. Enjoyed spending time with Jakob, meeting his girlfriend & her family. Don’t want to leave him behind, but looking forward to getting home.

6:40p- arrived home

9:27p- I’m exhausted and ready to collapse. Every inch of me is throbbing! I’ll have to take pain pill & muscle relaxer to sleep tonight.

May 29

7:20a- whole body hurts, hands numb and tingly left side more than right, neck hurts, muscles twitching randomly throughout, thirsty, nasty taste in mouth, congested, head hurts, stomach muscles hurt, upper back aches, tired.

8:47a- low back throbbing

2:30p- put food in slow cooker (swedish meatballs).

3:00p- migraine ensuing – all lights bothering and hurting eyes, noises hurt too, eyes watery – had kids turn off all lights and close all blinds – need to sleep it off

5:00p- Joe helped me finish dinner once he got home. 

10:00p- managed to wash 5 loads clothes today but had to have help. Got most of clothes put away but had to do it in spurts and have help. 

May 25

5:48p- sitting outside waiting for table. Rt arm throbbing and cramping. Joe massaged arm to ease pain. Heat getting to me not feeling well.

9:27p- noise inside restaurant too much for me. I couldn’t focus on any one conversation too many loud noises coming at me in all directions and the music was loud.  I wanted to initially run away but didn’t want to ruin meeting for Jakob & Brianna. Not feeling well. Think meeting went well. Jakob & Brianna are offically a couple. 

11:14p- I’m exhausted.  Feet freezing. Having to right down all my pain whay and how I got rid of it is a bit much for me. Low back hurting.

Mary’s Praise
Luke 1:46-47 – And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.

Mary’s faith allowed her to be joyful in the journey.

May 26

3:00a- woke up suddenly. Got up to use restroom. Stomach hurting. 

7:00a- whole body hurts!!! Trouble having motivation to get up today. Know pain will only ease some if I start moving. 

8:00a- went to bkfast holding Joe’s arm. Forgot to grab cane. Joe was sweet. He seated me at table and got my food. Not hungry but know I can’t take meds/supplements on empty stomach. Held Joe’s arm back to room. Rested a bit before fixing makeup. Arm throbbing. Applied pain roller. Drank green tea to take meds.  Rested arm a few moments.

6:19

Sharp pain shooting up forearm from tip of middle finger – sitting in church- not much I can do

Crossing rt leg over lft leg – shoots pain from mid lower leg to top of thigh- subsides after reshift of leg about 10 min

Ankles swollen and throbbing- layibg in bed don’t know reason for bed- guess I’ll have to sleep it off