Lightning Strikes – Journal Entries 4-6 December 2019

Dec 4

7.50 woke from nightmare. If only I can get my subconscience calmed so I won’t have nightmares anymore. I diffuse lavender at night.

Face hurts. Whole body aches. Rt hip hurting. Need to look for new chiropractor that won’t charge a lot. Probably could use an adjustment.

Looked in mirror. Rt eye very swollen. Started taking zyrtec again.

9.00 Jordon still coughing & snot green. Called Dr. Apt at 10am.

10am Dr confirmed sinus infection. Rx, nasal spray, and cough rx called in.

11.00 Mom called to see if Dezirae could help her babysit today. Dropped her off at place.

11.45 begin to process pumpkin for puree. Think I’ll dehydrate more for powder again. Wow! Pumpkin powder will last up to 5 yrs stored in cool dry place. 1 large pumpkin produced about 2 cups of puree. Woah!

12.45 bloody nose. Head pounding. Lights bothersome. Exhausted.

Need a nap. Not feeling well – feeling weak. Probably need to eat something.

7.59 able to help an LS pal find a TBI group near her by reaching out to my TBI coordinator for info. Thank you, Lord!

10.48 just finished pt exercises. Short of breath. Tired but awake. Arms sore. Rt hip throbbing with sharp stabbing pain in buttocks. Low back aches. Headache. Congestion starting to ease. Toes tingling. Feet hurt. Hands ache. Center of chest aches. Both legs ache. Lft leg tingling from knee down. Neck and shoulders tight and sore.

Dec 5

8.00 overslept guess I needed sleep

Headache. Ears ringing. Neck throbbing. Tingling sensation down spine. Whole body aches. Chest aches. Sore all over. Lft leg tourniquit tighten feeling with some tingling in lft foot. Had nightmare.

Read Bible. Several psgs. John 10 made song pop in head ♫little lamb little lamb little innocent lamb I’m gonna serve God til I die…♫

3.45 left for church early to

8.00 face feels flushe*b6

Dec 6

12.49a having trouble with sides cramping horribly. Headache.hands hurt. Neck hurts. Feet chilly.

Think I finally fell asleep around 2am. took that long for cramping to ease.

6.00 hear noise I couldn’t recognize. Fell back asleep

7.00 woke to turkey crowing.

8.00 decided to read my Bible not going to fall back asleep.

10.00 Joe begins processing ducks. Stayed outside with friend to be a support…cringed at sounds, only able to handle it so long until smells made me nauceous. Had to go inside

https://msktc.org/tbi/factsheets/Memory-And-Traumatic-Brain-Injury.

11.30 remembered that I needed to check on SS pkg. Called company. Kept getting hung up on after automated system said it was having technical difficulties. Googled another number to call. Pkg to arrive soon.

12.30 helped friend wrap ducks for freezing. Never thought I’d ever do this. Yuck!

2.00 everyone chatting in livingroom. It’s too much for my brain to process all at once. Getting very sleepy. Dozed off several times.

4.30 guys decided on pizza

Lft side cramping again. Center lft chest hurting. Neck hurts. Shoulders tight & stinging. Still sleepy. Wish I had more energy.

6.30 face is flushed. Balance seems to be really off, but so far been able to catch myself. Have to get up from sitting position more slowly.

10.30 can’t sleep…in much pain from head to toe. Brain racing. Stinging needle pain in feet & toes. Neck throbbing. Stinging needle pain with periodic cramping in entire back. Legs burning aching. center of chest lft hurts. Rt jaw & ear aches. Indigestion.

Recvd email from Dr Mark Hyman about a recent podcast (not quite sure what a podcast is or how to retrieve one yet, but one day I will).

“PTSD and Traumatic Brain Injuries: A Functional Treatment Model”

https://drhyman.com/blog/2019/11/06/podcast-ep79/?utm_source=Broken+Brain+1+%2B+2+%28Combined+List%29&utm_campaign=08ab6cdaa7-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2018_03_29_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_c903b97dee-08ab6cdaa7-122239769&mc_cid=08ab6cdaa7&mc_eid=ed52d2e850

 

Interesting articles like these help me understand the significance of my many facets of unknowns regarding post LS injuries. I think I’ve always wanted to know the why’s and how’s of understanding things. Still do it’s just a little more challenging now due to learning curves and memory issues from the trauma and TBI.

Lightning Strikes – Journal Entries 1-3 December 2019

Dec 1

7.00 woke up late. rough night. Congested. Body feels like all my muscles are pulsating at same time – almost like I’m being electrocuted.

10.30 headache getting bad. Took naproxen.

https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003927.htm

https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001407.htm

https://www.mstrust.org.uk/a-z/paroxysmal-symptoms#what-are-paroxysmal-symptoms

 

Brain hurts. Eyes hurt – feels like my vision is getting worse and more blurred.

12.30 Joe invited visitors to stay an eat with us. Sent kids to store to add to it.

2.00 I’m exhausted and hurting. Brain hurts. Face hurts – sinuses

4.00 Guess what!? I was just asked to share my testimony about my lightning strike at a preachers conference next June. It’s exciting but nerve racking at same time. What ever will I say? Who am I that people want to hear my story? All I can say is Thank You, Lord!

Lord, please give me words to say (no point in writing them down as I would struggle following them) and help me to be a blessing pointing others to you. I am humbled at the thought.

10.00 In telling my son to stay on top of taking Echinacea, C, & zinc to combat his congestion and sinus issues, I realize I need to follow own advice. I also drink 1 tbs acv in half glass of orange juice. Gotta get over this junk. Using immune blend as well.

11.30 I’m wore out. Head pounding. Whole body aches. Sinus congestion & pain. Rt hip throbbing. Legs achy and cramping. Sneezy. Rt ear hurts.

Dec 2

12.30 still wide awake. Tylenol sinus not touching headache. Took it 2 hrs ago. Stuffy, runny nose. Lights bothersome. Night owl activated to help. Neck hurts. Lymph nodes at base of neck swollen especially lft side. They don’t hurt but are obviously swollen when looking in mirror. Tingling in lower lft leg down to toes in lft foot.

3.50 woke to runny nose and runs.

7.30 rough night. Up every few hours. Head pounding. Face hurts. I think I have sinus infection. I hurt from head to toe.

8.00 kids having trouble getting motivated to do schoolwork. I don’t blame them would rather stay in bed. Have much to do to prepare for weekend though.

12.00 brain hurts from helping daughter with schoolwork. Need brain break. Have headache too. Whole body aches. Face hurts. Sipping herbal tea. Dinner in crockpots – mushroom soup and meat for philly cheesesteak grilled cheese. Decided to use waffle iron. Brain may handle one sandwhich at time easier.

7.30 I feel miserable. Head pounding. Took Tylenol sinus, nasal spray, did nasal rinse, herbal tea, Echinacea, zinc, and c. If I can’t get under control will have to call Dr for help. Ugh!

Dec 3

6.30 woke to nose running. Whole body aches. Headache. Exhausted. Nightmares. Lamp bright. Eyes hurt & watery. Face hurts. Neck hurts. Feet cold. Severe congestion and stuffiness. Hands ache and sting little. Low back aches. Rt hip throbbing. Legs crampy & ache. Rt ear hurts. Rt jaw feels like toothache.

♫It’s a good thing to give thanks to the Lord and sing praises to His name. in the morning we will la la la and give praises to His name.♫  Wish I could figure out if that’s a song I remember from my youth or I’ve written it in my head.

♫ In His time, in His time, He makes all things beautiful in His time. Lord, please show me everyday As You’re teaching me Your way, That you do just what You say in Your time.♫

7.45 time to get up. Kids have school. If only I could take a sick day.

9.00 called Dr’s office to make apt. Confirmed that I have sinus infection. Antibiotics called in. They’ll be ready this afternoon. I feel miserable.

11.30a physical therapy today. Pushing myself to go. It’s been 6 weeks since last visit. Blair says even with set back of getting sick I’ve improved overall. Yay! Able to do walking test around cone without cane for first time. Confirmed the reasons she asked for 2nd opinion was not only right tract for VOR exercises but also my dizziness stems from central nervous system damage aka TBI. This info to me is reassuring – It’s not all just in my head though it is, and I’m not crazy. Had me do new exercise – walk in and out of cones on floor. Reminded me of soccer exercises when I was a teen. I liked soccer.

Is it odd that I tear up when some action or smell causes me to remember a memory I thought I lost forever? Sometimes it feels as if I have selective amnesia from the TBI post LS. I have large periods of my past that I can’t seem to remember.

When I’m around others talking about past memories, I listen and really try to be happy for them. In my mind’s eye, I wish I could remember things in my past…like my wedding day, my babies being born, their first steps, etc. I don’t hardly remember any of them. Makes me want to make keepsakes book so I can remember…or at least enjoy the pictures. Then I just want to have a good cry because I don’t remember.

Maybe I can research how to get back your memory.

10.30 Antibiotics taken. Face hurts. Rt eye swollen half shut. Been long time since my allergies acted up this much. Don’t recall what was done to combat it. Whole body aches. Rt hip throbbing. Neighbors burning leaves tonight just made it worse. Informed kids they’re on their own for breakfast. I’m sleeping in a little. I need the rest. Had to cancel decorating at church tomorrow. Lord willing, I’ll feel better enough to decorate some on Thursday before church.

Lightning Strikes – Journal Entries 28-30 Nov 2019

Nov 28

6.00 slept good once I fell asleep. Bad dreams don’t remember much…in distress…strange men in woman’s bathroom…talking with Mrs. Chris and her brother about situation as if we were best of friends…just strange.

Must have been moaning bc Joe was rubbing my back when I came to. It felt so good back has been very sore last few days.

6.30 Whole body aches. Headache. Severe congestion. Sore throat -hurts to swallow.

Got up to take cinnamon rolls out of fridge for them to rise. Rt side starting to cramp. I’m so tired.

 

Nov 29

5.00 woke to nose running…thought it was blood at first but thankfully not. Guys already gone hunting.

6.30 nose running again

8.00 back rt side cramping with sharp jabs. Making it hard to do much.

1.00p Dezirae helping to rearrange LR little to be able to put tree up.

3.00 finally got it figured out. Dezirae work on putting tree up while I reconnect computer.

7.00 Mom, Mark, & April came over to see if Dezirae & I wanted to go with them to see the Christmas lights at Colonnades. We went with. So pretty.

7.45 I’m exhausted and hurting all over. Went to parents house to visit with Mark & April little more. They leave tomorrow some time.

11.40 been sneezing & coughing most of day. Eyes watery. Skin itchy. Took Benadryl. Legs ache. Lower lft leg tourniquit tighten feeling with some tingling. Congested. Actually contemplated sinus rinse today but never went thru withit. Bones aches. Rt hip hurts. Feet ache with toes tingly. Low back throbbing.

Vitacost.com/blog/vitamins-supplements/supplements/types-of-magnesium.html 

Nov 30

12.29a hope to fall asleep soon. Much pain, tired, eyes watery, nerves tingly thru body, rt hip throbbing, whole body aches.

8.30 very rough night. Bad headache. Severely congested. Bad headache. Hurts to move. Whole body throbbing. Bad dreams. Lights bothersome. Noises bothersome. Head pounding.

9.30 made immune blend roller bottles for Joe & myself – both of us not feeling well (sick). Had to take migraine rx.

11.45 I hurt all over & feel plain lousy. It’s going to be a lazy day for us.

10.30 managed to get bulletins done. Had family help. Dezirae did fill ins and guys helped fold them. I’m feeling tad better. Applying immune blend helped. Tired. Still ache all over. Chilling tinging poky pain all over back. Coughing. Congested. Headache. Sneezing. Center of chest hurts. Hands ache. Rt hip aches. Feet ache.

Oddly enough I enjoyed being sick with my hubby at same time today. Not gonna sound right (it sounds funny in my head) but usually when we are sick at same times we are grouchy to each other not today. We were helping each other, checking on each other, cuddling and watching tv together. It was comforting. Thank you, Lord!

Lightning Strikes – Journal Entries 25-27 Nov 2019

Nov 25

5.30 it’s too early. I’m so tired. Whole body hurts to move.

8.00 lights bright. Chest throbbing. Did way too much past weekend. Whole body hurts. Back hurts.

9.58p

https://wellnessmama.com/5425/balance-hormones/

11.30 VOR exercises sure do initiate vertigo symptoms. Suppose to be helping…they may be, but gabapentin adds to dizziness so not so sure. I don’t think gab is helping with nerve pain. Need to figure something else out.

Wondering if hormones are out of balance due to LS? Feel like my body is fighting something yet I feel stir crazy. TBI mtg tomorrow am & church in pm.

Dizzy. Back aches. Headache. Hands ache. Low back aches. Muscles randomly twitching thru body. Lower lft leg tourniquit tighten feeling with some numbness & tingling. Toes tingly. Neck hurts. Rested most of day. Shoulders ache. Sinuses congested. Skin itchy feeling like somethings crawling all over me. Lips chapped.

 

Nov 26

5.30 whole body aches. sharp stabbing pains in torso, headache, congested, arms stinging, low back throbbing, lower left leg tourniquit tighten feeling with some tingling, neck hurts, eyes watery. I’m tired.

Woke from strange dream…I beat three strange people up for getting too close to daughter and myself in store.  Have daughter call 911. I faint just as cops and Joe show up and end up in hospital not knowing what happened or how I got there.

2.00p Able be to an encouragement and witness to newcomer at TBI today. It was encouraging to me to be able to talk about the Lord. Wore out & have headache. Need to crash a while.

3.00 fell asleep for short while. Probably could sleep more

11.59p whole body aches. Rt hip throbbing. Low back throbbing. Lower lft leg tourniquit tighten feeling with some tingling. Lft hand tingly. Neck hurts. Head hurts. Tired. Need to go to sleep. Contmplating weaning myself off the gabapentin. I don’t think it’s helping enough to make difference except to make me dizzier.

 

Nov 27

5.30 woken by sharp pain in center of chest. Felt like heart fluttering for about 5 minutes or so. Muscles in legs spasming.

Bad dream. . . I was searching for something in semi panic state. Couldn’t find whatever it was I was searching for. Sinuses congested. Trouble breathing. Eyes watery.

8.30 asked question about herbs for fibro and nerve damage last night. Funny how people assume both are about you. I’ve not been diagnosed with fibro but many have told me my symptoms mimic it. I have been told I have nerve damage from the LS and can attest to the chronic widespread pain I live with daily. What meds I have been subcribed are not helping but seem to me to make it worse at times.

Thought I’d check the functional medicine route. One person suggested checking out Amy Meyers.  Another suggested Lysine. I already take turmeric. Need to add the ginger back in. Just trying to figure out what works for me.

Whole body aches. Sore throat.

11.00a decided to work on blog for little bit. Have bad headache now. Ugh!

8.45 just finished playing scrabble with family. Had to have assistance with phone to make words. Brain hurts. Headache. Feet cold. Throat hurts.

10.50 exhausted. Headache. Throat hurts. Not feeling well. Crashing. Hope to feel better in am.

Immune blend. Benadryl. Naproxen.

Rt hip sharp stabbing pain. Random muscle spams thru body.

8.23 deciding to wean myself the gabapentin…think that’s the cause of my headache and nauceousness the last couple days. Strange though bc I’m on lowest dose right now. Still been taking it in am but not pm. Guess I need to go slower. Figure why put a poison into my body if it’s not helping ease the pain and just makes me more dizzy.

Lightning Strikes Journal Entries 22-24 Nov 2019

Nov 22

4.24 awake. Ugh! In so much pain…especially upper back, shoulders, and arms. Hurts to move.

6.45 don’t want to get up yet. Still much pain. Hands swollen and achy. Entire back throbbing chilly tingling sensation down spine. Legs ache. Feet ache. Mouth dry. Tired. Strange dream

 Coconut oil good for lots of things. 

9.00 sometimes I wonder if muscle relaxer rx pills some more potent than others bc some days it seems harder for me to wake up than others. 

9.00 Jordon got call to go to a job. My errands must wait til someone can go with me. 

2.45 Im flat exhausted…feel crash oncoming. Need to lay down a piece – til feeling subsides or else I’ll fall.

4.30 I crashed hard. Trying to wake up now. Need to get ready for kids play. 

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.drweil.com/health-wellness/body-mind-spirit/autoimmune-disorders/fibromyalgia/1/%3famp=1

11.40 overall good day I think. Kids did well in play tonight. Lots of people in auditorium…sometimes makes me wish I could wear beats to muffle the multiple sounds that hit my brain. Looking forward to Christmas break from co-op. Kids are not. They enjoy getting to hang out with friends. I understand more than they know such is why I forbear. 

 Whole body aches parts even sting sharply as if storm’s a brewing nearby. Hope to fall asleep soon. 

Stinging needle pain in hands, artms, shoulder, back, & toes. Headache. Center of chest hurts. Low back throbbing. Dizzy. Random sharp stabing pain in lower legs and feet – enough to make me jerk. More I try to relax the more my muscles randomly spazzing thru body. Very irritating at times. 

Song from play swirling in brain…only remember bits and pieces…candles burning bright…

Nov 23

7.30a whole body aches. Headache. 

Lots to do today but will have to pace myself so I don’t hurt myself

Family will help alot too. 

3.30 resting watching movie. Having trouble deciphering words spoken. 

10.00 I’m plumb exhausted. Took me all day to make pumpkin pie, sweet potato pie, & dinner rolls. Jordon peeled potatoes for me. Dezirae made Hawaiian salad. Joe took care of turkey. Jakob got called into work at 3am. He got home around 6pm. 

I’m exhausted and hurting all over. Took Tylenol arthritis and 1/2 muscle relaxer. Preparations for Church Thanksgiving Dinner tomorrow. Back muscles and hands stinging pain. Not up to doing pt exercises. Feet throbbing. Low back throbbing. Rt heel feels bruised. Legs ache. Center chest aching but starting freezer burn pain. Definitely did too much…hope I don’t hurt too much in am. 

Thankful God gave me strength to get through and for family’s help.

Another thought prayer answered today. Given a couple tops…one matched a skirt I didn’t have to match. PtL! 

Nov 24

5.20 whole body throbbing! Eyes watereth. I just want to sleep a little more. 

8.45 need to lay down to restbforbfew minutes before services begin. Pain rx wearing off. Didn’t bring anymore with me. 

Organify? Had top superfoods to help rejuvenate your body.

10.00 tip of middle lft finger lft side hurts like dickens. Finally figured out somehow I cut the tip at edge of nail bed. Not sure when but it sure hurts.  

1.30 during afternoon service my rt side began cramping bad tried to wiggle discreetly to ease pain to no avail. 

3.30 came home and practically plopped onto chair in livingroom. Turned on heating pad and sat several hours til pain eased enough I could move a little without too much pain.

11.00 fell asleep for a little bit in chair. Time for bed. It was good day but I’m plumb exhausted.   

Lightning Strikes Journal Entries 19-21 Nov 2019

Nov 19

5.00 sky is awake so I’m awake. Ugh!  Too early.

6.00 read Bible on phone & pray for today.

6.30 need to get going. Whole body aches, but not as bad as I thought I would. PtL! 

Eyes crusty on edges. Lft shoulder sore like I pulled a muscle and achy.

8.15 taking Dezirae to Dr.  Asked nurse about being cash patient. $125 initial plus what ever tests to run. $60 per visit thereafter. Kids Dr is an internist. Could possibly see her. Neat…knew she was pediatrician but not internist too. Not so sure about pricing though. If God wills, He will provide.

Toes are freezing. Legs ache. Balance off way much today…have to keep catching myself. The fluorescent lightning is hurting my eyes. Putting sunglasses back on. 

https://www.growingupherbal.com/echinacea-versus-elderberry

10.30p still have blood tinged nose. Going to try Tylenol arthritis for day or so to see if bloodiness will clear. I suspect Naproxen is one of contributing factors. The other factor I’ll get checked out after first of new year.

Whole body aches. Sore from head to toe. Very busy day between appointments. I’m exhausted too. Rt ear hurts. Using vicks on cottonball in ear to ease discomfort. Ear canal swollen. Headache.

Nov 20

4.00a woke to severe stabbing pains in stomach.

6.30a alarm goes off. I’m exhausted. Strange dream…only thing I remember is I was searching for something that was extremely hard to find. What ever it was it was important to be found. 

Very congested. Eyes watery. Hands ache

Researching ways to make life simpler for planning meals. Tried making a meal plan board with several different recipe meal cards, but it’s too complicated for brain to compute. Tried the 6wk meal plan, but it’s too much for my brain to compute. So far I like the weekly meal plan with grocery list under each day, but I strongly dislike the color yellow & I prefer organized boxes to help me shop in grocery store so I not repeating steps and aisles multiple times. I found a grocery list I like to use for most part, but it’s for people with babies which I have teens and I try to make my own cleaners so I don’t go down those aisles much.

There might be something to the Tylenol Arthritis. I didn’t wake as in much pain as I usually do especially after a busy day. I still hurt but not as bad.

8.30 Kids have play practice today for program on Friday. Kids chattering before practice begins is bothering my brain. Head hurts and lights bothersome. Moving to dark room. 

10.45 preschoolers are adorable ringing their bells, but oh does it hurt my head so. Remembered I keep ear plugs in my purse. Put them in to dampen sounds. At least my hair covers my ears so you can’t see the bright orange plugs. It amazes me how well I can hear still with plugs in ears. 

12.30 allowed Jordon to drive to store from co-op. Had a close call. He did good job correcting himself. I’m tired and my nerves are shot. Took back driving after he parked. Explained me being tired makes nerves more jittery and they don’t mix. He agreed.

2.28. I’m exhausted. Need to rest a while. Nerves feel like they’re on fire. Feel like I’m going to crash. 

Nov 21

6.30 awake several times in night. Pain causes troubled sleep at times. Strange dreams – ones I don’t want to remember.

I hurt all over. Comforter feels like lead. Headache. Hurt from head to toe. Decided to let kids sleep in a little since they’ve been ill this week.

https://www.healthline.com/health-news/aging-scientists-find-physical-cause-of-fibromyalgia-062113#1

7.30 hands stinging. Feet especially right getting sharp stabbing stinging pain making me jump! Rt ear ringing and achy. Neck hurts. Shoulders & back hurting. Chilling sensation going down spine to lower back. Lower back throbbing. Legs ache. Don’t know how to get the sharp stinging stabbings to stop.  

https://www.verywellhealth.com/staying-warm-fibromyalgia-chronic-fatigue-syndrome-715593

11.45a finally finished Jordon’s costume for tomorrows play. Took me few hours just to figure out how to cut it out. Took me few hours today to sew it together. Had to look up how to sew sleeves on. I almost did it wrong. Good thing I thought to google instructions for sleeves. I would’ve been horrified. It’s a bit too large, but it’ll work. But I did it!! Thank you, Lord!  

3.00p helped Jordon put some stuff in car to take to church. Muscles in legs now spasming. Low back throbbing. Short of breath. Hands ache.

4.00 taking pain rx to help me get thru this evening

 7.24 left side back throbbing. Arms and hands stinging.

11.50p lower back & left side cramping & throbbing pretty bad. Hands swollen, achy, & tingly. Speech not matching brain thoughts. Neck hurts. Chest center hurting. Hiccups. Headache. Tired. Jakob bday tomorrow and I’m not ready. Jordon offered to help make cake. Sweet boy. Taking muscle relaxer. Need sleep lots going on this weekend.   

Lightning Strikes Journal Entries 16-18 Nov 2019

Nov 16

Nerves been randomly stinging off and on all day. 

Nerve repair supplements

Lipoic acid 300mg 2x daily, 

Acetyl-L-Carnitine 2,000 mg a day, Inositol (500-1,000 mg a day), and vitamins B6 (50-100 mg a day) and B12 can actually help heal the nerves and decrease or eliminate the pain

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/complementary-medicine/200811/eliminate-nerve-pain-naturally

7.00p Joe & Dezirae brought home a boar. Thankfully, all I have to do is pack it to put in freezer. My nose not going to handle it tonight nor my back and nerves. I’ve been in much pain today and not been able to move much.

11.00p Think I’ve developed an allergic reaction to bleach. Put some in water to disinfect items used to process boar. Now my hands and arms are itching like crazy!!! Think that’s why I steered away from using it. Ugh!

Bad headache. Hurting to tears.

Nov 17

6a woke from nightmare. Brain feels like it’s spinning inside my head. Congested. Runny & bloody nose. Need to find a decongestant that won’t cause bloody nose. 

7a corner of eyes crusty. Slight headache. Whole body aches. Hands swollen and achy. Rt hand tingly. Low back throbbing. Tylenol sinus to get congestion under control.

8.15 leaving for church. I really need to practice piano more but it hurts my brain so. I’d much rather sing than play but glad I can so others can worship properly in services. Music – the right kinds – can be soothing to the mind, body, & soul. Praying God sends us a pianist.  

8.30 sneezing like crazy. Forgot to take the Tylenol sinus. Got distracted. I do that a lot. Lol. 

Sure would like to pick some pecans.

Jakob gave me his old phone. Switching sometime today but have to get him to help me.  

10.00 Filling in for primary Sunday school class. I know Bible story – Zacchaeus – so it was easy to teach. Sang Zacchaeus was a wee little man. Read passage from Luke 19. Had to use finger to follow along to keep me in place. Played game with memory verse Acts 16:31. Got dizzy and had to grab chalkboard so I wouldn’t fall. Hailey noticed and made comment. 

Had to sit for bit. Did Bible review asking questions about God and Bible. It helped to have teacher book, Joyful Life, to ask questions. It made them think.

11.00 Still dizzy. Asked God to help me play. Feels like everything is moving to the right. It’s really hard to focus to play when my brain is spinning.

Part of dream came back to me while I was playing piano…I went back in time and was conversing with Henry Wordsworth Longfellow in country meadow. We were comparing our poetry. Next thing I know there were bombs going off all round us and we had to run for cover.

Back is stinging. Headache. Throat very dry. Muscles very tight. Hurts to move neck.

1.15 I am exhausted. Whole body aches. Nerves stinging in hands. Headache. Toes tingling. Feel like I’m about to shut down and crash. Nerves tingly with hint of fire thru body. Laying down a piece.

3.45 ended up taking two hour nap – longer than I intended, but I needed it.

4.00 decided to work on research for next Scripture journaling theme. Christmas in mind. Also thinking about Fruit of Spirit. Just did Love. Decided on Joy.

5.00 getting headache. Prompted to go to look for book to help with counseling on assurance of salvation. Burdened to help daughter with her assurance and get it settled once and for all. 

5.15 while talking with her, nose starts gushing blood. Took about 5 minutes to get it to stop. Feeling weak.

Book had illustration that Joe & I could expound upon to help her understand things better. Praise the Lord she got it settled!!! 

6.50 rt hip throbbing. Back stinging. Headache worsening. Taking Naproxen. Don’t understand why I continue to take that. It helps with inflammation but doesn’t touch nerve pain. Rt ear ringing. Feet prickly stinging tingling.

8.00 family made hospital visit after church. Church family in hospital. Finally on right meds…feeling better…praying he will be able to go home tomorrow.

9.00 Jordon helped me make dinner when we got home. Grilled cheese & cream mushroom soup.  

Took Joe his soup and plate. Got my bowl to go sit down. Didn’t realize Joe’s feet sticking out and I tripped. I tried to fuss at him and say, “I have hot soup in my hands don’t trip me”. Instead I said, Hey, I have hot soup on my brains.” Jordon replies, “Ha! We can tell Mom’s tired.” All we could do was to laugh. Lol! Funny things I say especially the more tired I am. 

10.00 trouble choking easily over liquid or even my saliva. Congested. Simple pt exercises getting me out of breath. Haven’t been able to do them much this week due to pain and exhaustion. 

Whole body hurts. Random traveling stinging needle pain thru body…mostly in back right at moment. Exhausted. Skin itchy. Think I might need to take benadryl but hesitant due to bloody nose earlier. Took muscle relaxer to see if it’ll knock me out before getting too miserable. Rt shoulder aching. Center of chest aches. Taking pain rx too.

Nov 18

6.30 woken from a strange dream. (On my way to prom with several friends. Upon arriving at school and before I could get out…He was my best friend but I couldn’t remember his name. Why couldn’t I remember?) Just as I began to open my mouth my alarm went off and I woke up! Ugh!

Whole body aches. Lower back muscles spasming. Headache has eased but not gone.

8.00 trying to get caught up on recording grades. Hard to believe it’s 5th week of 2nd quarter. Both kids not feeling well. Dezirae’s cough sounds like it’s starting to settle in chest. Jordon not feeling good either. Ugh!

Marmalade didn’t set so we need to reboil. Adding pectin this time. 

2.14 Im so tired and brain hurts. Nerves stinging in arms and hands. No clue what to have for dinner. Need to rest a bit. Can feel a crash oncoming.

2.28 marmalade redone. Tastes good.

4.15 Joe asked for biscuits to go with marmalade. I will oblige, but I’m done for day. I’m really hurting so.

9.38 rt hip throbbing. Low back throbbing. Head hurts. Hands throbbing. Random muscles spasming through body. Neck throbbing. 

Shoulder muscles tightening and very sore.

https://neuropathyhelp.co/

10.40 sharp stabbing pain lft back head. Bad enough to make me stop what I was doing!

Skin itchy all over. Took pain rx & muscle relaxer. 

Lightning Strikes Journal Entries 13-15 Nov 2019

Nov 13

6.30 I hurt all over and so tired. I don’t want to get up. Hitting snooze. 

7.30 didn’t mean to stay in bed that long. Dezirae knocks door to let me know we have hour before leaving. Ugh! Bible read Psalm 61. Decide not to do pt exercises this am. I’m really hurting. Headache. Sinuses congested.

9.30 just discovered I forgot to take morning meds & vitamins. Explains extra tiredness. Better check bp. Bp 108/86 hr 88 guess not too bad. Drinking sleepytime tea to help me go to sleep. Eyes watery and feel extra heavy. Rt hip super throbbing. Skin itchy. Low back throbbing.

10.40 woke to severe burning indigestion. Vomited just after chewing couple papaya enzymes. Had to change clothes. Hurting worse. Feel like I need to take benadryl. 

Nov 14

8.00 woke up late. Besides hurting all over I feel yuckie. Read Bible & devotional. Must have faith and take God seriously.

8.45 Decided to take leap of faith and take hot shower without Joe here. I’m doing it scared and asking God to help.

9.15 Had couple close calls. Arms cramping and had to rest them few times. Kept dropping things, but I didn’t fall. I’m exhausted and aching like I just worked out, but I’m safe. PtL!

10.00 looking for 2nd orange marmalade recipe found neat way to start plants indoors. Think I’m going to try it out. Found two 2 liter bottles to repurpose and recycle. Planting green peppers and Rutgers tomatoes. Labeled and dated planters. Placed on window seal in front window. Hope it works this time. I do not have green thumb…well the only green they may slightly possess is envy of those who can grow gardens. Lol. I seem to only be able to grow aloe, roses, and amaranth so far.  

1.24 attempted making orange marmalade in crockpot but it didn’t turn out. Apparently I didn’t use enough oranges and it looks burnt. Trying again. Dezirae helping this time.

Kids have bunch tests today. My brain hurts and feeling foggy. Vision starting to blurr on edges. Need to rest but I only have 2.5 hours before needing to leave. Feeling stressed. Playing music to ease stress.  

4.00 Jordon driving to church. As if nerves not on edge enough it starts to lightly rain half way to church and traffic gets busy. By time we reached post office my nerves had enough, I told Jordon to scoot over and I drove until we got out of heavy traffic and I let him drive rest way to church. He did very good his 2nd time only driving. This mama’s nerves are shot though. Enough strezz for one day. Lol. 

5.00 cooking dinner. Had to ask for help to drain noodles. Center of chest is really hurting. Rt hip really hurting too.

5.30 discovered one of my favorite meals…tuna noodle casserole. Jakob says it’s always been. I couldn’t remember. Made extra to help family at church out. Love my church family.

8.00 feeling flushed. Vision is blurry on edges making it difficult to focus. Sweet spirit in church tonight. 

10.30 neighbors are playing their music loud tonight. My nerves are rebelling and don’t like it too much. Skin feels like it’s jumping all over. It doesn’t help that I’m already hurting from the cold weather. 

Misplaced my pj pants and have to wear my sweatpants to keep warm…not as comfortable for me. 

Rt side cramping sharp jabs. Rt hip throbbing much. Lower lft leg tourniquit tighten feeling with some numbness in lft foot. Hands swollen and achy. Brain fog lifted ever so slightly. Center of chest throbbing. I’ve overdone it again. 

Lord, please make neighbors stop playing their music so loud. Nerves are jumping to rhythm of the beat. Ugh! Not healthy for anyone let alone me right now. Maybe need white noise to drown out music. Headache. Pain rx & benadryl taken. 

Nov 15

6am slept all night PtL! Gotta take Jordon to work. Think I’ll let him drive.

7am stopped at store for butter. Found good deals on meat. Meat is almost out in freezer. 

8am decided to finish making marmalade. 

9am finishing up my bible reading and devotions. Able to write new one today.

12.30 finishing up canning the last of the marmalade. Tastes pretty good. Made 24 – 8oz jars. Dinner in crockpot. I’m so tired and starting to really hurt bad. Done what I can do for now. Time to rest.

Musclez in back and abs are screaming too much done today. Hands swollen and stinging, throbbing. Rt hip throbbing. Calves burning. Headache. Resting for while.

5.30 Got word of unexpected health concern with church members family. Offered to watch children while wife go sits with husband in hospital for while. God please be with this family. They have been through so much lately. Please gird them with Your strength and mighty power in amidst their trials. Comfort their hearts and lay your healing hand on him. Amen.

Making dinner to feed the kids too.

10.50 I’m tired but wide awake. In much pain from overdoing it today. Hands stinging and swollen. Feet sting. Lower lft leg tourniquit tighten feeling with some numbness. Calves cramping and burning as if I walked one hundred miles (couldn’t even walk a half mile right now if I wanted to – don’t know where that number popped out from hehe). Rt hip throbbing. Butt hurting. Nose itching. Muscles in back tingly and hurting. Neck very sore & stiff. Head hurts. Sinuses in face hurt. Cramping in rt side. Shoulders hurt.

Lightning Strikes Journal Entries 10-12 Nov 2019

Nov 10

5.30a woke to Joe’s alarm. Woke from strange dream. Can’t fall back to sleep.)

Nose stuffy. Insideds shivering. Rt hip throbbing. Headache. Whole body aches. Eyes watery.

6.30 inside I’m excited about the day but my outward body is having trouble moving. Thankful God’s plans are best. It’s been great having friends staying with us. It’s nice to have a friend that gets what your feeling or going thru (she got double concussion from bad car accident several yrs ago. Experiencing some of same issues I’m dealing with from my tbi). Gotra get up and going…I can smell Joe searing the roast for lunch.

10.30 brain feels like its swimming today…vision extra blurry on edges, dizzy, unstable – almost fell few times, but able to grab something to catch self

11.00 easily distracted – had hard time playing offertory bc someone was talking. Turned head too fast and got dizzy. Irritated me so much I wanted to stop and tell person to shut up. Ugh! Remembered piano teacher’s instruction to keep mind on piece and play best you can til piece is finished

6.30 sudden sharp pain in lft abs & center of chest. Lasted about 13 minutes

10.30 sharp stabbing pain in rt side. Rt hip throbbing! Hands swollen and achy. Headache. Center of chest hurting. Took pain rx. Muscles spasming in upper lft leg. Skin itching upper lft leg.

Nov 11

6.30 rough night. Fell asleep sometime after midnight. Woke every two hours thereafter.

Joe asked if I was okay before leaving for work. Told him I was hurting all over. Asked why. Told me I had bad nightmare last night. All I remember is being stuck in same dream over and over. I feel like I’ve been beat up. Headache and exhausted.

9.00 I finally fell back to sleep around 7 and slept til 9. Still tired.

Decided to push past comfort zone and do extra chore – fixed box fan bc cover coming off & cleaned it, hung load of towels. Not so sure hanging towels good idea (its such a nice day) bc I’m really hurting now.

1.00p decided to take kids to Krispy Kreme for rewards of good grades. Stopped at thrift store. Found 2 t-shirts for Jordon’s quilt I want to make him for Christmas. Still need a few more but I’m getting there.

10.00p I really hurting now. Definitely not too good idea pushing to do extra day before having to report for jury duty. I’m hurting almost to tears😢

Gotta figure out herbs/oils to reduce nerve pain.

Nov 12

 5a so not today ready for today

7.30a never been to court house. It’s so big. Lots of people here. I have no idea where to go. Officers have all been so kind. People several giving me compassionate looks like they’re sorry I have to be here. Anxiety starting to fester. I’m overwhelmed & scared. Balance is off keep having to adjust and gain my balance so I don’t fall. 

Thankful for the tall pillars to lean on. Strange guy asks me where to go. I tell him I have no clue bc I’ve never been here. He says oh and disappears into the large crowd ahead of me. 

Crowd starts moving. Not sure where they’re heading. I decide to follow. Oh, they’re heading to elevators. Officer is letting jurors only on elevators at this time to go to 8th floor. Oh, that’s me. I guess I’ll follow. 

Once off elevator, another officer instructs people to make sure that jurors have summons filled out & hands out instruction manuals. Once filled out, instructed to wait in long line to enter courtroom. I only made it halfway down long hallway of line of people and had to sit in chairs to rest a while before I could walk more. Eyes began to well up with tears. Told myself not now. Quoted “What time I am afraid I will trust in thee”. Tears got bigger. Not helping. Gave self pep talk. After resting, got in long line. Boy, there’s a lot of people here. Tears started leaking from eyes. Can’t fall apart now haven’t even made it in courtroom. 

Finally made it to doors. Lady checks my summons to see if filled out right. Explained to her that I’d never been here before. Tells me it’s ok and to take summons to blonde lady. I ask her which blonde lady bc there’s two up there. She chuckles and says she didn’t notice. Asked which colored blouse. She didn’t answer. I proceed to slowly enter room and walk towards front. I’m exhausted, getting dizzier, Lord, please give me strength.  After approaching the lady, I asked her to check regarding my summons.  I explained that I had been struck by lightning and am still dealing with after effects.  I wrote letter but never heard back.  She checked computer.  She informed me that I had been excused and apologized for the inconvenience of having to come downtown.  I thanked her and was glad to get out of there.

I got so turned around when I left the court room I had no clue where to go or how to get out of there.  I had to ask an officer how to get out of here.  He kindly escorted me to the elevator and to main lobby on bottom floor.  I thanked him for his service.  He smiled. 

Glad that my Mom had come with me because I knew it was going to take me a long time to get back to the vehicle.  Had to stop frequently to rest to get enough energy to keep going. Thankfully, the bus driver that brought everyone from the parking lot to the courthouse spotted me attempting to return to our vehicle.  She stopped the bus in the middle of the road and told us to hop on.  I thanked her repeatedly for her help.  She smiled. 

Thankful for God looking out for me today and all the help along the way.  I do not want to experience this again in the future.  Extra stress adds exponential pain to the scheme of things.

10.53 I’m exhausted and really hurting. Rt hip throbbing

Lightning Strikes Journal Entries 7-9 Nov 2019

Nov 7

6.00 took a while to fall asleep. I think the peppermint tea helped me fall asleep before midnight. Woke at 3.30 to severe sharp pains in center of chest. I’m so hurting all over!!! I don’t feel like moving at all. 

2.00 having very off feeling day. Hard to focus or get motivated to do anything. Got Joe’s rebate request in mail. Started planning lesson for school got side tracked several times. Know I’m suppose to be doing something important but can’t remember it. Checked to do list – it’s not written there. Need to get better plan of cleaning upset. 

4.30 we were suppose to leave already for church and I’m not even ready. Entire functional system has been slow moving today and I’m really hurting. Dezirae tried to get my help in science and I couldn’t even push through brain fog to understand to help her. 

6.00 rt hip is throbbing worse than toothache. Pain rx not even touching it.

11.50 insides feel like they’re spasming, whole body hurts, hands throbbing, rt hand itches, very tired, feet cold, tummy growling, lft thumb crampinf, lower lft leg tourniquit tighten feeling with some numbness, rt hip throbbing, Elbows stinging.

Nov 8

7.00 relived lightning strike incident in my dreams last night except this time we call 911. I wouldn’t let them take me until Joe got home from work. I’m in much pain this morning. Hurts to move. Feet are numbish. 

6.30p friend arrived safely from out of town. Glad they’re here.

11.59p rt hip giving me a fit. I so hurt and so tired.

Nov 9

7.00 slept fair. Whole body hurts. Headache.

8.00 Joe sweet enough to make breakfast – made pancakes. 

9.00 blew nose. It’s bloody. Ugh! Bp 127/76 hr 70 Not sure what’s up. So tired and I haven’t done anything.

1.30 Joe, Jakob, & Dad left for church. Meeting other preacher’s on ordination counsel about ordaining Joe. Upset I can’t be there. Jakob going to take pictures for me. He’ll be presented church & bible tomorrow before church tomorrow. Exciting day!

2.00 rock n roll playing in thrift store is making my nerves jumpy and hurting!!! I must vacate premises. This noise is bothersome.

7.30 nose bleeding. I’m feeling weak. I don’t know why it happens.

10.00 extremely tired. Joe thinks the naproxen is cause of nosebleeds. Said the three months I was granted permission to take tramadol the nosebleeds went away. I’m thinking he may be right. 

I don’t see how the gabapentin is helping at all. There’s gotta be a combo of natural remedies that will reduce nerve pain. 

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