8:13a- rough night. Woek at 2:30a with stomach cramping bad. Took a while to fall back to sleep. Woke at 8am with whole body in aweful pain! Notice on phone of bad weather next 24 hours.
11:06p – whole body hurts, feet are freezing cold, hands swollen and achy with deep hurting pain to bones, rt hip aches, low back hurting, headache, trouble with stuttering alot today, foregt what I’m doing and do something else. Legs hurt. Neck hurts.
Broken brain series video one today. Too much information. Will have to rewatch. Shared with support group.
October 26
4a- woke from terrible nightmare hurting horribly. Rt elbow and arm feel bruised. Feeling beat up. Sharp pain in rt hip. Left leg feels like someone kicked me repeadetly.
Nightmare- Car broken into. Front windshield smashed. Glass everywhere. Joe refused to call cops or report on insurance.
Hands throbbing. So much pain I can barely move.
It’s raining outside. Or is sugar the culprit? Please work it out that we can go get books for Holly.
12:00p- forced myself to paint more cabinet doors today. Need to keep moving to stay mobile. Had to rest after every door. Took me about 2 hours to paint 5 doors. Arms & hands cramping. Oh, how I ache. Ribs feel bruised.
3:00p- able to take Holly to get a bunch of abeka books for Nepal
5:00p- got beautiful surprise…April flew in for weekend to see Holly & Tara. Had dinner with them all tonight.
7:00am – had trouble sleeping last night. Woke at 7:00am. Have TBI group today. Can only stay till 12:30 bc Joe has to work midday.
Once I got there, spoke with Theresa about paperwork from ss oho? Let atty know about attending tbi mtg. She said she’d write a leter if needed. I asked her for biz card bc I lost her info.
Two guys & a gal from USA came today. They come to help us out but are also learning from us. Stephen drew picture of brain and broke down different areas trying to explain each units functions. I was surprise that several of other attendees knew what part of their brain was injured. I must’ve had a lot of areas inured bc I resonate with several things.
I told them I’d like to pick their brains sometime. I have lots of questions I’d liked answered but can’t seem to remember them when necessary or how to word them to make sense.
They had us play a new game to me. I think it’s called Two Truths and a Lie. I didn’t understand what they were asking at first. Jameson gave example. I don’t remember all I wrote, but when it came to my second fact I wrote…I survived being struck by lightning. They were both shocked at that one. They started asking a bunch of questions. I answered the best I could before getting interrupted. I figure I can just print out list of symptoms to help them out. Had to set alarm on phone so I wouldn’t be late leaving. Arrived at home a few minutes before Joe had to leave for work.
My brain hurts after all that workout.
Need to rest. Sat for 30 minutes or so in livingroom. Not working. Can’t focus. Brain hurts all over. Fingers and hands numb, tingly, and aching. Legs and feet hurt. Whole body aches. Neck tingly burning up and down spine. Feel like I’m going to pass out. Feeling weekish. Need to go lay down for a while.
Ended up sleeping for 65 minutes. Woke up to phone ringing. Brain foggy couldn’t figure out where phone was though on bed next to me. Time to make the cookies.
Symptoms: brain hurts & foggy, neck chilly tingly, hands swollen and achy, calves crampy, whole body aches to bones, tired but wide awake.
11:17p – stinging nerve pain in legs from waist to toes, low back pain, hands swollen and achy, brain hurts, eyes sensitive to lights, tired but wide awake, every wrinkle in clothing is agitating my skin, rt neck hurts.
8:36a – woke up later that usual whole body aches. Made bed. Not hungry but ate bowl of cereal. Started research for Joe. Thirsty so I go to get drink. Decide that cabinets are dirty. In cleaning them, decided they need fresh paint. It was very hard to stir paint. It hurt my arms. Need to take a break. Started load of laundry. Stir paint again. Brush not working well. Found small roller. Took off handles. Painted four cabinet doors above stove. My arms are throbbing and I’m out of breath. Load of wash is done. Throw in dryer. Stared water for new load. Not enough clothes need more. I’m tired and need to rest. It’s a little after 12 kids need to eat. Made Dezi pb&j. Made Tara chicken sandwich. Made myself pb&j. Sat to eat. I’m exhausted.
Holly came over to see if we were ready to go. Told girls to get ready to go. We’re going to Orange Beach. Enjoyed my “earthing” time at beach. Tara fed bird from her hand. I’m plum exhausted. My body aches and I’m starting to get a headache. Hands swollen and ache. Feet ache to bones. Skin itchy. Indigestion.
700a – Joe scared me awake! I dislike that because it jolts all my nerves and makes me hurt like crazy. No sure how to explain it but almost feels like every nerve ending in my body is on fire!
Woke with a headache, my whole body hurts. Section in between left index and thumb swollen with red eczema looking itchy patch. Feeling kind of unstable & dizzy. Nerve have been over stimulated this week. Knew I’d have some side effects, but it’s been worth it.
10:45a – asked Yanna to be my helper at church – keep eye on trash cans in bathrooms and empty them when needed and the toilet paper to let me know when it’s getting low. Joe also asked her to help keep his trash empty. She was happy to help.
11:43a – feeling very weak. Had trouble focusing on offertory and keeping place…messed up even though I’ve practiced all week.
12:13p – I have pushed too much…need to collapse for a while…gonna sleep on floor in nursery. Heart beating hard, feel faint, head wobbly, whole body hurts.
2:00p – Joe came to check on me. I’m laying down but not asleep. I didn’t hear him come in and he scared me causing me to jump and scream. Heart pounding hard. Nerves screaming & stinging throughout body.
6:00p – evening service – I’m so exhausted and hurt horribly, but glad I can be at church. Joe reviewed Dr Stringer’s sermons: 1. Hope & the Lord’s mercies, 2. Bitterness, 3. What does it take for revival? 4. Harvest, 5. For, 6. Patience/Don’t Quit. That was a big help to me. While I struggled to take notes to help me try to stay focused on messages, I still have trouble remembering what was said. Right now I’m working really hard on remembering the kid’s names at church (there’s 10 altogether) and even then I still have trouble telling the twins apart. Everybody else seems to be able to tell them apart but my brain is struggling. At least they all know I love them and that they are important to me. 🙂
October 22
I am currently attempting to read a book that includes a 12 week companion Bible study. It is “Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World” by Joanna Weaver. I am currently on chapter 3. It takes me much longer to read things these days. A couple of reasons, one I have trouble looking at words on pages for too long without them going blurry. Second, I have to not only read it slowly but also repetitively to comprehend what I’m reading. I have trouble remembering what I read.
This hurdle had really hindered my yearly goals of reading so many books. My last yearly goal before getting struck by lightning was 12 books (that’s one a month). Sadly, I was unable to meet that goal in 2017 because of my injuries.
It’s not gonna stop me. Though it is quite a hurdle right now, I still plan on eventually working to achieve that goal one day. Anyways, I foud encouragement in chapter 2” “Lord, Don’t’ You Care?” On page 21, there’s a section that gives strategies for fighting discouragement. I’ve think that it’s good enough to use for just about any circumstance in life.
And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed. Deuteronomy 31:8
11:16p – decided to look for a larger purse at the thrift store (my husband gave me $ for my birthday). My sister, daughter, and niece came along too. I don’t usually go anywhere by myself these days as I get turned around and lost easily.
The first store didn’t have any purses that I liked. I decided to look through the clothes. Nothing. I’m quite choosy on styles and colors. Looked through a double rack for my sizes by I could only manage a few minutes and my arms have had enough.
I told my sister that that was enough for me. She asked why? I told her that just that little bit made my arms sore feeling like I had worked out for 30 minutes or so. Wow! I’ve lost a lot of muscle strength since my strike. It gets quite frustrating at times especially when I dwell on the facts that prior to the strike I could lift 100lbs give or take easily, but now I can barely lift 20lbs without it causing much pain and grief. I try not to dwell on the pasts of what I used to could do. These days I try to focus on what I can do and make new goals to accomplish.
Huge praise!!! But for the grace of God, my blog is now live! I’ve been working on it since April. Trying to figure it all out is still like learning Greek to me, but as I am able I will continue to add to it. It’s my healing journey from being struck by lightning. www.charitymaeprosper.com
Watch this 8-part series on how to strengthen and heal your brain. It’s completely free and 100% life changing. www.brokenbrain.com
October 20
I’m tired of journaling my symptoms but I know if I don’t I won’t remember when things happen plus it helps me track my progress
6:30a – woke in much pain…I hurt all over. My hands feel like their on fire. They are throbbing so. Random shooting pain in my legs. Headache. Low back aches. Arms ache. Neck sore on rt side. Rt ear randomly ringing.
9:36a-I do not want to get up today, but I have lots to do…prepare food to put in crockpots for lunch at church after soul winning, etc. Lord, I need Your help to move today. Thinking about fudging on my caffeine free diet just to have energy to go. Took my meds this am, but I still have no energy.
9:47a – Thought prayer answered today. I prayed for one pumpkin. God had two pumpkins given to us. PTL!!!
11:30 – didn’t put water in crockpots – food not cooking. Have to cook items on stove. Cramp in rt side of neck trying to turn gas off on stove.
7:00a – woke with neck hurting & body generally stiff and achy.
Had more energy today than in long time and not hurting as much.
11:53p – hands tingly and achy, neck still stiff and hurting, wide awake, headache, legs ache, low back hurting, rt elbow aching, rt ear itchy and hurts.
Enjoyed some much needed “grounding” yesterday while enjoying God’s handiwork in the land and sea. Thankful for God’s faithfulness and mercies for they are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23).
October 17
951p Neck hurting. Migraine. Got stressed out at church over song service bc we forgot a song (only 3 listed not 4…Joe said shake hands after 2nd verse on 2nd song & song leader had people shake hands after 1st verse)…trouble playing songs…two of hymns caused extreme pain in hands and arms while playing, etc. Now tearful sharp needle pain in upper back and shoulders.
October 18
7:30a- woke with neck hurting, slight headache, hands swollen and achy, stinging needle pain in upper back, eyes watery
Webster defines RENEW as to make like new; restore to freshness, vigor, or perfection; to make new spiritually: regenerate
KJV Dictionary defines RENEW as to renovate; to restore to a former state, or to a good state, after decay or depravation; to rebuild, to repair to make new
Romans 12:1-2 says “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
A person can be pulled at from many directions during the week making it tough to be successful negotiating all the demands from life in general.
Whether you must work to help provide for the family, deal with bosses and coworkers, juggle housework, pay bills, keep up with doctor appointments, raise children, do laundry, cook, clean, do home repairs, complete car maintenance, participate in social engagements, endure physical ailments, etc., these things can get you bogged down with unrealistic expectations of what you can handle with the resources you have.
You often find yourself emotionally and physically exhausted. Then, you find yourself resisting making commitments and fearful of the choices you make.
The “renewing” in verse two in the Greek language means renovation: renewing. In order to renew our minds, we need to determine to spend much needed time with the Lord on a daily basis. We must pursue Christ asking Him to reveal the truth we need for the day, and pray that He will provide the wisdom and knowledge (James 1:5) and strength (Isaiah 40:31) that we need for each day.
Went to church to vacuum foyer and fall décor. Carpet on front porch more ripped. Lifted the piece blowing in wind and accidentally ripped it more. Decided to rip it all off. Had to chisel/scrap some of glue spots on bottom half. Came home and soaked in Epsom Salt bath to ease pain.
October 11
5:30a- woke with bad headache, whole body aches 4.5, neck throbbing, hands swollen and achy, feet tingly, low back hurting
8:00a- woke in a panic. Suppose to get up at 7am. Thought I hit snooze the second time, but apparently not! Now late…gave myself a headache & bloody nose! Ugh! Read two passages in Bible.
Cooked egg for Dezirae. Packed her a lunch and out tge door by 8:30a. Volleyball tournament in Semmes. Have to borrow a car to get her there.
10:00a- decided to make batch of homemade bisquick mix. Messed up royally! Direction asked for 5 TBPS of Baking powder. My eyes saw 5 cups sugar. Realized it after I dumped 5th cup of sugar on top of flour. Able to scoop out 2 1/2 cups of sugar.
Next mishap was the baking powder. I grabbed what I thought was baking powder and measured out 5 TBPS. Kept going. It wasn’t until I was putting items away that it was actually corn starch! Ugh!
I let Jordon know what I did. While chuckling, he came and gave me a hug and replied, “It’s okay, Mom!” Awh!
I replied, “I’m not getting much right today.
Jordon reiterates, “It’s okay, mom.”
I said, “I know. It’s just frustrating at times.”
11:00a- able to weed 2nd half of my flower garden in front yard. Also, planted winter onions in a tote.
12:21p – received notification that Dezirae’s game was over and she was free to go home. Had to let them know that I didn’t have access to a car until my husband gets home. One of the other moms graciously offered to bring her home. Thank you, Lord.
1:00p- able to plant green beans & bell peppers in totes too. Prayed they will grow and produce fruit. I don’t have a green thumb, but I’m trying.
3:00p- went out soulwinning with my family to pass out fliers for our church’s revival services. The very first house my sister & I approached the guy was rude! He told us that we needed to get out of the neighborhood. When we asked why, he told us because he was fixing to sick his dog on us. We told him we didn’t want to cause any trouble. As we turned to walk away, he proceeded to try to sick his dog on us! The dog didn’t do anything. I couldn’t walk very fast because I have to use a cane for balance. We kept on going. In my mind, I shook the dust off my feet and prayed that one day this man will get saved.
After thought – what man in his right mind sicks his dog on a cripple woman walking with a cane. Shame on him! Thank you, Lord, for the dog not coming after us because the whole neighborhood would’ve heard me screaming!!
5pm- back home to eat dinner. Thankfully, dinner was in crockpot pot. I’m exhausted.
6:00p- the events of day are catching up to me. I’m really hurting and ready for bed. Still have a bad headache. Gonna have to take a migraine pill…nothing else is working.
7:30 – watched Courageous with family. Noticed my headache was starting to ease. Finally. Hard to think straight when head hurts that much.
10:17p – going to bed. I’m tired, but wide awake.
Low back throbbing, ears itch, hands swollen and achy, toes tingly, feet hurt, neck hurts, upper back achy, hiccups, tired but cant sleep, arm hurt, calves starting to cramp & ache
Sundays just wear me out so much. It’s hard to get up Monday mornings and get going let alone staying motivated to keep going. So tired and wore out.
9:37- I purposely didn’t take a nap so I would fall asleep easy bc I have to get up early to take Joe to work in order to get the car tomorrow. Epic fail! I’m still wide awake!!! Ugh! I’m seriously in pain all over! I only managed to help both Jordon & Dezirae in math today, wash 3 loads of clothes, and cook dinner. Lord, I need Your healing, guidance, and provision. Food is a need, help provide please.
October 9
Busy day today…
5:15am- took my husband to work so I could have car
6am- youngest child started working on school work
7:30am- woke middle child up to start school work.
8:15am- I actually tried walking a little in our neighborhood. Able to walk up and down most of our street (about 1/10th of a mile) before I started hurting too much.
9am- couldn’t go no more…crashed & took cat nap
10:00- food pantry to get some groceries
10:20- put food away. Helped middle child with math (attempted too. I’ve forgotten how to do Geometry. Thankfully, he’s been smart enough to figure it out by my just reading it back to him. I want to re-learn…only thing I’ve managed to remember is how to work the algebraic equations once they’re in place)
11:00- went to TBI mtg. Residule effects of TBIare similar to those of a stroke victim. Can look for stretching exercises for stroke victims that might help. TBI group will be able to get help with Dr appts. Thank you, Lord.
1:20- went to pick husband up from work. Husband drove home. Traffic too congested for me to handle.
3:40- taking daughter to her last volleyball game. Tournament on Friday. Able to stay for JV game and one match of varsity game. Hurting too much and muscles starting to cramp in legs. Had to go home.
3:54p – Today my son was assisting me by offering me his arm to help me walk. He was walking a little too fast for my speed so I was trying to politely tell him to slow down by reminding him that I was a turtle not a hare. It didn’t come out that way. Instead I said, You’re going a little too fast. Remember I’m a tortoise not a turtle.”
He chuckled and replied while patting me on the arm, “It’s okay, Mom, I knew what you meant.”
I replied, “Oh, what did I say?” He repeated what I said. I also chuckled and said what I meant to say.
Later I looked up difference between a turtle and a tortoise. Turns out that on land a tortoise is faster than a turtle. Haha!
6:45pm- Joe graciously made dinner so I could rest. Food is almost always delicious when it’s made with love!
6:50a- woke at 3am left arm and elbow throbbing, heart felt like it was racing, had trouble falling back to sleep
7:30a- I hurt all over. Feet ache. Calves ache. Hands swollen and achy. Rt elbow hurts. Stomach hurts. Eyes feel crusty and heavy. Neck hurts. Head hurts. Tired.
11:26p – been on go most of day. Kids been big helps. Dezirae’s team lost, but fought hard. Jordon made dinner.
As I’m relaxing I’m feeling the day hit me hard. I hurt as though I was in a bad fight! Made brownies for tomorrow. Beef in crockpot browning overnight for sloppy joes. Pain is keeping me awake. Husband so tired he’s sawing logs right now.
Oct 6
A peek in the window of a lightning survivor….
I have memory loss and have forgotten how to do many things. Knowing that I should know how and forgot is frustrating at times. And there’s no rhyme or reason as to things I can and cannot remember.
For example… I planned a simple dinner meal for tonight – Chicken Veggie Stir Fried Rice. I’ve made it more than a dozen times, yet I simply have forgotten how to do it. Thankfully, there’s the internet & Pintrest that I can quickly look it up.
Then there’s the issue that my upper body strength and stamina have dimishished so much that I have to ask for help stirring after a while because my arms wear out and I start hurting more than I can bear. Or I get side tracked easily and end of forgetting to add certain ingredients or mixing up the directions.
I’m not complaining in the least. Life has been much harder since the anomoly. I am thankful for God’s faithfulness and that His mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23).
I just figure since my type of injury isn’t studied enough because doctors don’t think it happens enough that maybe allowing others to take a peek at some of my struggles may helps others know how to be more supportive with those who struggle with the same type of injuries as I do.
