Author: Melissa

April 25

early this am before he went to work Joe rubbed my back. Felt good because my muscles have been twitching/spasming randomly for several hours.

7:00a- I’m freezing. Rt hip throbbing like toothache. Neck hurts. Eyes watery. Throat hurts a little. Rt arm numb when I woke. Upper back hurts.

​ Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast. Psalms 57:1

Interesting this was my first verse in Bible reading this morning.

906a My Grandma has been teaching my Mom, daughter, and I how to quilt while she has been visiting. She still quilts by hand!

It takes me a little over an hour to hand stitch this square – that’s just the inner and outer circle til my hands and wrists are too swollen and painful to do any more.

#makingpreciousmemories

3:00- went to Mom’s to help on quilt for a bit. Neck throbbing. Rt hand swelling.

4:28- Neck very painful throb. Upper back hurts. Muscles tense and spazing randomly. Thunderstorm. Laying down in “safe place”. Headache. Bright lights bother eyes. Hands swollen and hurting. Charging phone in case power goes out.

7:15p- last hymn before offeratory I flubbed up big time. I forgot how the tune went so I started playing a different tempo. Ugh! Don’t know where that came from. So embarrassed! At least my church family has been supportive.

Rt hip throbbing. Neck throbbing. 

10:30p- eyes burning and watery, calves throbbing, body aches, neck throbbing, hands swollen and achy, feet cold 

April 26

9:00a- woke around 7:30a but I hurt so bad all over that even my eyelashes hurt! 

1216p – Tried to express a concern at Sam’s Club regarding having to chase wheelchair down at customer service desk instead of them being at front door. (Today is a high pain day for me) Lady tells me I have to call corporate office to complain.

Businesses only think about bottom dollar not customer courtesy. If they want disabled people’s money, they better include them too.

It was suggested that I…”This is completely unacceptable and flies in the face of the Americans with Disabilities Act!!! You better not contact their HQ…you better contact the US DOJ! This will get their attention faster than anything else! Ada.complaint@usdoj.gov – phone 800-514-0301″

1:00p- ate lunch at Sam’s. Frustrated because we had to chase down a wheelchair. Tried to express concern at service desk.  Lady tells me to call home office to complain. Ugh!

1:35p- heading to optical place the clutch goes out again. Have to wait for tow truck. Ugh! Able to call my dad to come pick kids and I up while Joe waits with car. I got my new glasses finally. 

5:25p- dinner at parents. My Grandma tells story of when she was 5. My great grandpa traded his 3 shot guns for boxcar lumber to build a one room house with no plumbing and no electricity for mom, dad, and 6 kids at the time (June, Donna, Ralph, Roger, Bernard,  Evelyn) [Betty, Billy, Edward, Margaret, Elaine]

7:00p- I’m exhausted and hurting. Sitting with heating pad on back. 

10:23p- I was hoping the most painful days were behind me. Apparently not. I hurt all over. Center of chest throbbing !!!

April 21

5:00a- Its too early. I’m still tired. Muscles twitching throughout body. I hurt all over even headache.

6:00a- I don’t like my outfit. My blouse is wrong shade of blue. Dezirae to rescue. She remembers dk blue top in spring tote. 

Joe asked Dezirae to help me roll my hair. My arms ache so much.

9:30a- hope I remembered everything. Praying for visitors at church today. 350+ eggs filled with candy for the kids. Wow! 

Trouble concentrating on playing the music. Keep messing up! Ugh!  

Lord, thank you for this day. Thank you for your sacrificial love! Thank you for loving this cracked pot that You are molding into Your likness that others may know You. 

2:30p- just getting home from church. Headache and sore from head to toe. Feeling faint…crashing for a little while no phone included.

5:45p- Joe picking on me because he thought I was playing a game on my phone. I replied “No! Someone emailed me so I’m checking my texts!” Lol!

7:19p- found out that my great great grandma moorehouse used to play piano for church. 

821p Thought I’d share a funny store in case you need a laugh…

Yesterday Joe, my husband, asked me if I needed anything (He was at work). I told him I still needed a few things for tomorrow (Easter Sunday). He asked what we need. Told him I was making a list as I go (I was cooking ahead for Easter Dinner at church) and texted him list I had so far…which included socks.

Joe asked me what I needed socks for. Told him for kid’s Easter baskets. He told me that I made him laugh. (I laughed but was serious because I forgot to give them socks for Christmas.)

Joe told me that when he was laughing another officer walked by and asked why he was laughing. Officer asked him to tell him why he was laughing.

Joe asked officer what is suppose to be in Easter basket?

Officer replies, “Candy, of course.”

Joe says, “Well, my wife wants to put socks in our kids Easter basket.”

Officer asked, “Why does she want to do that?”

Joe proceeded to explain to officer that I had forgotten to give the socks at Christmas.

Officer asked,” Who forgets to give out Christmas presents?”

Joe says, “My wife.” He proceeds to explain about my being struck by lightning and have a brain injury and forgets alot. She bought me a Valentine’s day present but can’t find it.

Officer cracked up laughing. Officer told Joe, “Thanks, I needed a laugh today.”

At least in my confussion and memory lapses, we can laugh it off. Glad it’s helping others too.

11:00p- I’m freezing all over!!! Feet like ice. Joe says my body is burning up as if I’m running fever but my forehead is cold to touch. Makes no sense.

April 22

6:28a- lft hand numb and tingly

7:30- rt arm numb and tingly, cotton mouth, headache, body aches, low back throbbing, rt hip throbbing

10:00a- I almost forgot to take my am rx & vitamins. Gorgeous day outside. Decided to hang sheets online. My arms are cramping! Feeling kind of shaky and weak now.

April 19

4:00a- woke to sharp stabbing pain in lower rt back & hip, headache, eyes watering, left foot and ankle throbbing.

5:56a- hands swollen and achy, lft hand numb, pain shooting down both legs

6:30a- not falling back to sleep guess I’ll get up. Wash load clothes, made waffles for breakfast, made more diy bisquick mix, 

10:00a- 4 generations went together to get our nails done today. This is treat. It’s been several years for me and Dezirae’s first time!

Lady was very nice. Color I picked wasn’t color I thought it was so she let me pick two colors to get effect I desired. Nail filing process was a bit painful for me. I managed to not holler. When she got to middle lft finger, it shot sharp pain up arm! I thought I would jump out of my skin. Held it together though.

340p Praise report: A couple times a month I attend a TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) support group. I was told that most TBI’s are sustained from auto accidents, domestic abuse, etc., but I was first one they encountered that was from a lightning strike. The group gladly accepted me. It’s been challenging at times, but rewarding to be able to exchange experiences and people actually get where you’re coming from to an extent.

Anyways, I’ve been expressing my concern about the need for physical therapy to help with balance issues and help knowing type of exercises that would help me regain some of strength I’ve lost. Dr’s have been telling me to just live everyday life because they don’t know what to tell me.

This past week I requested mtg with the cordinators of the TBI group. I let them know what had been going on. They told me they might have an avenue with local college professors and students in physical therapy dpt. I received word today that they are willing to help me! Their schedule is busy right now, but I’m to call to make an appointment for initial evaluation and then work from there.

This is a HUGE answer to prayer! I’m not certain of expense just yet, but I’m praying God will touch their hearts and do it pro bono.

If you feel like no one is listening, keep on sharing your story. The right people will hear eventually!!!

Suggested that it could be a gait issue:

Update: I rcvd email today confirming that they are willing to help me with some physical therapy. They asked what specifically I would like help with (I don’t know how to express what’s all going on). Next step is to set up an appointment for initial evaluation. This is HUGE for me! I feel like I’m finally being heard. Thank you, Lord!   An appt has been officially set for May 22nd! Even better they’re going to do couple sessions pro bono! Thank you, Lord!

6:56p- busy day. Kids play about to begin. They’re so excited! Excitement is contagious.

10:27p- why do toothache pain have to hurt so much?! 

April 20

6:30a- woke bc I dreamt i forgot to set alarm. Ugh!

7:00a- I’m exhausted. Sore all over. I don’t want to get up yet I know there’s lots to do for tomorrow. 

7:05: alarm goes off. I’m too tired.  Turned alarm off. 

7:14a- reset alarm for 7:30

7:30- read Bible and prayed

7:50a- I have to get up. Lots to do for tomorrows services. Lord help. 

8:00a- started bulletin

10:00a- such a headache!!

11:27a- we managed to cover 3 roads knocking doors. I’m flat exhausted! Follow up visit as well. I need a nap. 

Lower back and hips throbbing. Legs ache and muscles twitching.

12:30p- visiting with my Grandma Shunk. Found out that my Aunt’s sister was struck by lightning and killed when my Aunt was little.  Wow!

Think I need to figure out a resource pg.

1:45p- low back throbbing, hands ache, lft arm hurts, hands feel swollen and ache, feet freezing cold, feeling faint. Need to crash for a bit.

3:30a- crashed for almost 2 hours. Still tired. Need to finish prepping foods 4 tomorrow.

4:30p- making Joe laugh bc I plan on putting socks in kids Easter baskets. I wanted to do for Christmas but forgot. Still can’t find Joe’s Valentine’s present. 

7:00p- Joe told me that when he was laughing another officer walked by and asked why he was laughing. Officer asked him to tell him why he was laughing.

Joe asked officer what is suppose to be in Easter basket?

Officer replies, “Candy, of course.”

Joe says, “Well, my wife wants to put socks in our kids Easter basket.”

Officer asked, “Why does she want to do that?”

Joe proceeded to explain to officer that I had forgotten to give the socks at Christmas.

Officer asked,” Who forgets to give out Christmas presents?”

Joe says, “My wife.” He proceeds to explain about my being struck by lightning and have a brain injury and forgets alot. She bought me a Valentine’s day present but can’t find it.

Officer cracked up laughing. He asked Joe how he was handling it all.

Joe told him that he’s handling it okay. Ever so often I get fed up with it all blow up and then I’m fine for a while.

Officer was surprised how well Joe’s handling it all. Officer told Joe, “Thanks, I needed a laugh today.”

At least in my confussion and memory lapses, we can laugh it off. Glad it’s helping others too.  

10:23p- back muscles stinging, cramp in lft toes and foot outside.

Just noticed two bruises on rt leg. Don’t know how they got there. 

Bruise on lft leg mid calf is more prominent. Outer lower leg still swollen and kind of lumpy. Lower back & rt hip aches. Headache still there. I’m exhausted. Feet aching. Legs throbbing. Looking forward to resting tomorrow afternoon. Arms aching. Hands swollen and achy.

10:50p- center of chest starting to hurt, skin itches

11:05- oh my aching body. Lord please help me sleep tonight. Have to get up early.

April 17

6:00a- headache. Left leg hurts. Low back hurts. Today is last day for co-op for this school year. I’m ready for a break. Tired. Swollen area has increased.

2:20p- just recvd call from Teresa with AHI. She just talked with PT dpt at South Alabama and asked about getting me some PT to help me rebuild some strength and stamina I’ve lost as well as exercises to stable my balance. She contacting the professor of the Dpt to see if they’re a way they can help me even for a couple times so I can work on it at home on my own. This would be a huge answer to prayer!! Please God make a way where there seems to be no way.

3:30p- muscles in leg twitching, feet are freezing cold. I’m so tired may take nap.

3:51p- Nurse called back. Dr said to icy swollen area and ibuprofen to see if that helps.

4:30- rt tooth & rt ear throbbing. Low back & rt hip aches.

6:00p- irritated at Joe and kids for not offering to help me with dinner after Dr said to elevate my leg & ice it. Joe bouncing silverware on table irritating me worse. Argument ensued. Joe got upset and left house with kids. 

Made me more upset so I started cleaning as I could handle then sat to rest few minutez got up and cleaned some more. 

7:00p- Joe & kids came home. I was glad but not about to show it. I’m quite stubborn when I want to be. Joe & I talked things out & apologized. Also apologized to kids to let them know everything was okay.

10:30p- sharp stabbing toothache! Left foot hurts & tingly. Rt ear  hurts. Skin itches. Thirsty. Hands swollen and achy. Wide awake.

April 18

Woke to both arms and hands numb & tingly, headache

8:30a- why does it hurt my arms so to wash my hair? Anytime I lift my hands/arms above my heart it cause great pain in arms and chest. Got dizzy in shower and almost fell. Had to grab wall to steady myself. Taking showers wear me out. 

If only I could figure this all out. Think it’s time to see second opinion. I’m exhausted trying to research info out myself (my husband it tired of it too) when I don’t even know where to look or who exactly to seek help from. God give me wisdom in my direction. I need to get on with life feel like I’m stick in mud and sinking in slow motion. Still trying to move forward and keep my trust in God alone. I know there’s a purpose in all this. Can’t quit because my blessings are just around the corner.  

April 15 

6:00a- I’m tired. Eyes weeping, whole body aches, muscles in left leg, headache, rt ear hurts.

7:00a- just realized I forgot to take my bp rx yday. Checked bp – 121/82 hr 69. Thank you, Lord. Now to get rid of headache. 

10:00a- 2 loads clothes washed. Post Scripture Journaling Intro to blog. Need to figure out how to upload pdf. 

10:30a- field trip to park with parents, kids, & Grandma. Grandma says it’s first time in years she’s going on picnic.

2:00p- just home from picnic at park. I’m wore out and hurting. Time to rest and enjoy hot cup of peach tea. Crashed for 10 minutes. I was hoping for more.

4:30p- I think I got the first month for Scripture Journaling posted. It’s not the way I was wanting but I’ll get it figured out eventually…baby steps. 

Time to start preparing for dinner.

11:30p- center of chest hurting horrible, skin itches, pain all over, headache

April 16

3:00a- I had unexpected fall in middle of night last night. I lost my balance and fell into our closet. Thankfully, I missed the larger furniture but did manage to scrap my lower left leg up. My husband jumped up to help me. My left leg has a small lump and is bruised and I feel like I’ve been beat up.

7:54a- I feel like I’ve been thru a war zone. Headache. Left leg is a little swollen. 

10:30a- received call from friend that needed lending ear. Prayed with her over phone.

11:00a- TBI mtg. 

12:00p- feet feel like ice & tingly, head hurts

1:00p- talked with Ron & Teresa about what happened with Dr. They’re glad I’m seeing new Dr. Teresa said Dr needs to know about falls so it can be documented in my files. They are gonna check into trying to find a way to get me some physical therapy. 

2:30p- I’m exhausted and hurting

2:54p- called Dr office. Left msg with nurse about incident and about being banged up & legs & feet tingling. 

3:10p- Kids Dr’s office called to remind me that it’s time to schedule annual checkups. Discovered that I accidentally threw away one of their insurance cards. Thankfully I had number written down. Had to call ins co to request replacement card. Ugh! Suppose to be resting…not getting far.

4:15p- going over to mom’s house with Dezirae for my Grandma to try to teach us how to quilt. My mom did reflexology on feet. Eased tingling a little.

5:30p- time to make dinner. Spaghetti & meatballs. I’m not hungry. 

10:00p- sat in chair lr most of night. I’m wore out. Feel like I was beat up not able to give anymore. Left lower leg gradually hurting worse. It’s swollen and hurts to touch. Tongue still has white patches and scratchy to swallow. Didn’t get much done. Indigestion.

Left foot tingling, left leg lower hurts, low back & rt hip aches, headache, tired but awake, seem to need bathroom more, stuffy & congested

April 13

6:00a- so many nightmares why do they trouble me so they make no sense. What is my brain trying to process?

Whole body aches. Muscles twitching throughout body. Low back and tailbone throbbing as if I fell hard but I didn’t.

7:38a- headache. Left hand itches especially knuckles

9:00a- on our way to pick up my Grandma in North Alabama. She’ll be staying here for two weeks.

10:30a- thought it’d be good idea to bring laptop to work on bulletin for tomorrow. Not! Sun too bright can’t see screen too good. Ugh!

2:45p- minor car trouble delayed us. Met Uncle and Aunt at Shakey’s Pizza. Now heading back home with Grandma and all her luggage. I have headache. Buttocks and back really hurts. Gonna be interesting next couple weeks as Grandma is almost completely deaf no hearing aids cannot lip read and doesn’t know sign language. She’s suppose to shew me how to quilt. Guess I’ll return favor and teach basic sign. Sad when no way communication to make. Actually have dry erase board to write conversation out

7:15p- made it home safely. Mom made dinner. Face feels flushing. I’m wore out.

10:15p- I’m utterly exhausted and hurting all over. Migraine. Taking rx. Nose stuffy but runny. Bulletin done. Low back and rt hip throbbing. Rt ear hurts. Fingers ache. Strong winds. Notice that under tornado watch. Lord, keep us safe in the midst of storm. Indigestion. Chewed 5 Papayas.

April 14

4:00a- phone call. I’m so tired and hurting. Bad dreams. Bad storm last night.

7:00a- I don’t want to get up. Every inch of hurts. Sore throat. 

The marketplace is empty No more traffic in the streets All the builders’ tools are silent No more time to harvest wheat Busy housewives cease their labors In the courtroom no debate Work on earth is all suspended As the King comes thro’ the gate

O the King is coming The King is coming I just heard the trumpets sounding And now His face I see O the King is coming The King is coming Praise God, He’s coming for me

8:00a-  Told Joe with tears streaming down face today would be one of those days that I’m tempted to fake it bc I feel aweful. Ate too much bread yday and thrush is hurting throat again. 

8:30a- It was a feat but able to get ready on time. I’m looking forward to church. I need it today.

9:15a- hunny having technical issues trying to print sermon outline. Had to download driver. 

10:00a- power flickered

1:34a- two visitors today though attendance down due to a family being out of town. Trouble playing piano. Feel like I’m in a daze. Enjoyed service though stressed (technical issues) and in much pain. Just want to sleep it off. Took Chuck to lunch. Keep thinking I may be in much pain but I’m blessed and others don’t have it so well.

2:00p- need to crash a while so much pain. Need to go back to Dr’s about thrush. It’s flaring again too.

4:00p- Joe trying not to scare me to wake me did anyways. Still hurting, but not as bad.  

10:50p- feet feel numb and tingly, hands swollen and achy, finger tips tingly, pain throughout body, low back & rt hip throbbing, headache has eased down from migraine, arms ache, rt ear hurts, tongue & throat hurt, etc. Today’s pain makes me wish I had something stronger than Naproxen. 

I AM GOING TO A CITY  WHERE THE STREETS WITH GOLD ARE LAID  WHERE THE TREE OF LIFE IS BLOOMING  AND THE ROSES NEVER FADE. 

HERE THEY BLOOM BUT FOR A SEASON  SOON THEIR BEAUTY IS DECAYED  I AM GOING TO A CITY  WHERE THE ROSES NEVER FADE