Category: My Healing Journey

Oct 10

6:00a- broken sleep. Tossed and turned all night trying to get comfortable.

Woke to rt hip throbbing and low back hurting. 

8:00a- Jordon made me breakfast in bed. So sweet!

Had to have help changing sheets on bed. Headache worse and I’m exhausted and out of breath. Need to lay down a while. Hands and wrists swollen and throbbing. Rt hip & lower back throbbing. Pain shooting down rt leg. Feet cold. Toes tingly.

1:00p- Jordon’s been helping with laundry. Helped make bed. I’m tired. Rt arm throbbing. Head feels foggy. Neck hurts. Rt hip throbbing. Low back aches.

10:50p- I’m exhausted and hurting all over. Rt hip throbbing, back aches, feet cold & tingly, neck tingling in neck.

Took pm meds.

Oct 11

6:00-woken by rt hip pain. Slight headache. 

6:30- went to bathroom. Decided to read Bible on phone. Tired. Rested.

7:00- alarm went off. Hit snooze for 10 minutes. Decided to do morning exercises. 

9:00a- left for Dr apt. 

Bp 100/67 hr 62 oxygen 98 w 199

Dr very confusing to me today. Not for certain she believes me. Thinks some of my symptoms are not lightning strike related. Not sure what that means. Bp is now too low. Changing my rx up. Uncertain what she’s changing bp rx to. Changing tramadol back to naproxen bc of the inflammation issues. Told her I was okay with that. She seemed surprised. Told her it only relieve part of pain anyways. Nothings taken it all away post strike. Mentioned something about muskoskeletal issues not sure what she’s referring to. 

Asked if I was getting any physical therapy. Told her yes. Asked what exercises. Did best to remember (deep breathing, chin tuck, knee rock, half squat, marker exercise, x to x to help with the vertigo, clamshells, bridge but can only do 2). 

Dr asked about headaches. How often take relpax? Had to take 3 migraine relpax in last couple weeks. Asked how often getting headaches. Told her daily but I try not to take anything unless it gets too bad. She said that’s good. Asked what I take. Told her Tylenol. If it gets severe, then the relpax.    

She ended up requesting cbc and comp blood panel. I suspect she thinks I might have diabetes. I wasn’t ready to have blood drawn. I’m tired of that being their go to. I don’t have diabetes. Ugh! I just had blood drawn 3 or 4 months ago. Everything was fine then. 

12:00p- Joe took me to lunch at Chick fil A. Only tables open were by window. Had to wear sunglasses bc sun too bright. It was hurting eyes. Joe has us move away from window. 

1.30p- home again and I’m hurting and exhausted. Laying down for a bit. Pins and needles sensation in back, neck hurts, slight headache, lemonade gave me indigestion. Took papaya. Need a nap. Buttock hurts. Muscles twitching in legs. My whole body aches right now. Oh!! That reminds me. Vehicle pulled out in front of us on Cody rd! It had just rained and road was slippery. Joe slammed on breaks to try to avoid hitting her. I grabbed handle and froze. I just knew we were going to collide. Breaks kept jumping. We came within inches of hitting her. She drove off like nothing happened. Praising the Lord for His protection!!! I need a nap.

**Note to self…I was chewing gum prior to blood draw today. It helps calm my nerves and/or ease pain. It could effect blood sugar results.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/complete-blood-count/about/pac-20384919

https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/comprehensive-metabolic-panel

5:00p-Dezirae helped with dinner. Tried to make biscuits look like pigs for the pigs n blankets. Lol. 

11:30p- really tired. Pain widespread. 

Rt hip throbbing. Headache. Chilly. Hands swollen and achy. Neck hurts. Elbows hurt.

Oct 12

6:50a- I ache all over. Strange dreams. Stuffy nose. I don’t want to move.

Not feeling well. Manage to do morning PT exercises. Rest a while.

11:00a- Dezirae went with me to grocery store to get a few items. Using wheelchair. Got dizzy going around corner. Need to be more careful. Chest starting to hurt just picking up cans of spaghetti sauce off shelf. Ugh! Kind of glad Dr switching me back to naproxen. Tramadol not helping the inflammation issues.

2:00- laying down to rest. Very tired. Need to check notes on what I did for energy. I have none.

3:30p- slept for over hour. Could sleep longer.

7:00p- made myself eat dinner. Not hungry.

8:30p- I’m not feeling too good. Headache. Eyes watery. Hands ache. Lft elbow feels bruised. Feet freezing. Chest burning and throbbing. Rt hip hurting. Nose stuffy. I feel chilled. Joe says forehead is warm. I’m going to bed.

9:30- tossing & turning to get comfortable. I hurt so much. Took pain rx

Hearing Questions: What does your “average day” look like?

Oct 7

5:00a- woke crying from nightmare – dreamt I was struck by lightning amd I felt it!!! Woke to fiery pins and needles sensation all over body especially on left side. Joe comforted me until I fell back to sleep. 

7:00a- I have headache and whole body aches. Hands and arms numb and tingly. Neck throbbing. Toes tingly. Low back aches. Tired. 

5:30p- just folded load of laundry while sitting on bed. I’m exhausted. Arms, hands, back and butt are stinging. Neck hurts. Feet from ankles down stinging. Out of breath. Need to lay down to rest a bit.

10:44p- today has been quite a stressful day and I can feel it so in my whole body!!! I’m hurting quite horribly. Need to destress and find a way to calm my nerves.

Oct 8

2:30a- woken to very sharp stomach pains. Back stinging needle pain. Took me long time to fall back to sleep

7:00a- woke with hands and arms numb and tingly, low back throbbing, lower lft leg tourniquit tighten feeling with some tingliness, toes tingly, rt hip aches, and tired

11:30a- worked on bulletin a little for Sunday = headache. Folded clothes on bed – arms ache, back pins and needles, very tired. Need to rest a bit.

12:21p- laid down for 45 minutes. Still have headache, sinuses congested, hands throbbing, low back hurts, feet cold, and I’m shivering. 

Sitting in chase lounge in LR under blanket to warm up. Took cat nap for 15 minutes.

1:30- attempting to balance checkbook – after several minutes brain gets cloudy causing vision blurry. Muscles in back stinging. Hands swollen and throbbing. Have to take breaks to complete bc it’s giving me headache.

Decide what to make for dinner. Been horrible at meal planning lately. Tell Dezirae she’s going to help me with dinner. 

Errors in writing something twice and forgetting to write things in checkbook. Ugh! Takes me almost two hours to balance checkbook.

3:40p- nerves in arms, hands, legs, feet stinging. Took pain rx. Laying down a while til it kicks in.

4:45p- called atty to discuss hearing. Answered his questions from last phone call that I couldnt answer. Asked if he dealt with brain injury patients before. He asked more questions. I answered to what I thought I understood. Wanted to know why I have nerve pain answered I don’t know. Apparently that’s the wrong answer. Joe was able to be there for last part of call. He asked couple questions. I don’t remember them though. 

Prayers please. Apparently I’m going to need a miraculous intervention to get approved at my disability hearing. If I’m understanding correctly, the doctors at victory did not document everything in my records. Nor did they do proper testing required to prove my disability even though at a friend’s suggestion I requested them (nerve conduction study, etc.). I’m even having trouble understanding questions to answer correctly. The added stress is magnifying my symptoms to which I have trouble explaining why. I am not suppose to answer “I don’t know.”

My faith is certainly being tested and I can only lean on Him because I can no way fix this. 

The fact of having to admit publically that I need help has been really hard for me. It’s been hard enough admitting it to my family and friends. I just want to cry!!! Wait, I already am. 

All of this has caused my pins and needles sensation to magnify all over my body. I end up laying down on chase lounge next to Joe bc I need comforting. I desire as a little child to be told my booboos will be all better soon and everything is going to be okay. 

5:15p- Dezirae is graciously fixing dinner. Taco mac and corn casserole. I partially supervise as I need to sit periodically to ease back pain.  

6:00p- Joe suggests I sit next to him. Jakob rented a movie. We eat dinner a lot in the livingroom because though I like our kitchen table it is very difficult for me to sit on wooden benches for long. I’m not able to sit in same position for long periods of time so I keep fidgeting.

8:00p- I’m so exhausted from pain today that I decide to go to bed early. 

8:05p- I decide to do my night PT exercises to see if it’ll help ease some of pain. 

8:30p- fat chance of pain easing soon. 

8:47p- decide to reach out to couple friends and ask for prayers about upcoming hearing. I’m distraught over it and will be glad when it’s over.

10:57p- still wide awake and hurting from head to toe. Took pain rx amd melatonin. Hopefully, I’ll sleep soon.

11:28p- still awake. 

2 Timothy 1:7 – For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

Philippians 4:6 – Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

Luke 1:37 – For with God nothing shall be impossible.

Lamentations 3:22-23 – It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.  They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.

Oct 9

Fell asleep sometime after midnight. Woke around 4am. Whole body aches. Headache. Took long time to fall asleep. Woke again at 7:00. Hit snooze. Woke at 7:30.

Read few verses on bible app. Got up and used restroom. Sat back on bed. Took morning meds. Got up to get dressed. Told son it was time to get up. Feeling tired so sat on bed to rest. Remembered I needed to do morning exercises. Did morning pt exercises. Tired sat on bed to rest few minutes. Got up to pick hair.

3:00- went grocery shopping with kids. They did shopping. I rode around in wheelchair. Got eyeglasses adjusted. I’m exhausted and out of breath. Slight Headache. Hands swollen, tingly, and throbbing. Low back aches. Legs & feet hurt. Muscles randomly twitching thru body. Back aches. Muscles in arms to elbow burning. Need a nap. 

6:30- Joe & Jordon cooked dinner tonight. Food tasted delicious even though tongue is hurting most of day. Spots on tongue irritated and painful. Head hurts. Pins and needles sensation thru body making me quite tired.

8:00p- took Epsom Salt bath. It’s quite a chore to bathe. Washing hair causes muscles to cramp in arms. Have to take breaks. Washing body hurts arms too. When done, it wears me out and causes shortness of breath. 

Rt hip is throbbing like toothache. Left elbow feels like piece glass stuck in it! Have headache. I’m exhausted. Going to bed am I.

Oct 4

6:30a- woke to lft arm & hand tingling, much pain in back, & rt ear hurting. 

7:40a- back pain increaseth, neck & shoulder muscles tight causing pain, hands tingly (lft more than rt), muscles randomly spasming in back, butt aches, feet hurt, legs ache, lower lft leg and foot tingly, rt hip hurts

Deep breathing while listening to wholetones music transformation 528.

 11:00a- icy burning sensation in my back, neck muscles very tight and hurting, headache, toes tingling, eyes blurry

12:20p- went to bank & store. Legs throbbing, wore out, nerves pulsating thru body, whole body aches, headache. Icy burning sensation still in back. It hurt my legs to push gas pedal. Low back throbbing. Out of breath.

https://www.healthline.com/health/dysesthesia

2:50

https://howtogeton.wordpress.com/2017/09/19/how-to-answer-the-question-why-cant-you-work/

3:00 whole body hurts. Headache worsening. Taking pain rx. Laying down with eyes covered.

4:00p- pain still there. Hard to lay still. Eyes covered with pillow. Taking migraine rx.

5:00p- pain still there. Not diminished. Migraine still there. Lights bothersome. Rt ear throbbing.

7:00p- Joe & Jordon cooked dinner tonight. Thankful bc I wasn’t up to it. Hurting muchly.

9:00p- chest really hurting. Putting ice on my chest. Headache still there. 

10:59 

http://www.michaeltyrrell.com/life-love-lullabies

These are suppose to help you go to sleep. Playing through samples now. Sound pretty, but with my massive headache not sure if they’re helping. 

Ouch! Sharp pain in elbow. Chest center throbbing. Both feet tingly and hurting. Lower lft leg tourniquit tighten feeling. Low back throbbing. Hands swollen and achy. Joints hurt throughout. Neck hurts.

Oct 5

7:00a- had trouble waking. Had nightmare last night. Apparently it was bad enough that I screamed in my sleep…thought I dreamed it. Joe said he asked if I ok. When I didn’t answer, he hugged me and I told him I had a nightmare. Woke hurting all over as if I’d been in a fight. Muscles very tight. Joe sweet and rubbed my back for a bit. It’s like my muscles are in tension mode and won’t let go. 

Have a funeral to attend today – Sullivan. Hopefully the pain rx will take edge off enough to endure.

1:30p- didn’t think there would be bunch of people at funeral. Started getting anxious. Went and found seat away from crowds. Always leary of being bumped in a crowd and not being able to keep balance and falling. Service went well. Family glad we were there to represent the church. Family thanked us for putting life back into the church.

Back and legs started throbbing. Legs started feeling like lead balloons and throbbing. Low back throbbing. Headache ensued…so many voices. It was hard to focus on person talking in front of me. 

Laying down resting now. Just that little bit wore me out. Nerves tingling thru body. Rt hip aches. Hands swollen and achy. Lft hand tingly. Low back aches. Ringing in lft ear. 

3:30p- ended up sleeping for two hours. Could’ve slept more. 

11:00p- feet freezing. Feel icy to touch. Lower lft leg tourniquit tighten feeling with some numbness. Tingly in lower left leg and all 10 toes. Hands ache. Brain foggy. Rt ear aches. Neck itches and aches.  

Oct 6

12:10a- nerves stinging in neck, back, arms, & hands. Sharp dull pain in rt back as if I’ve been punched. Feet freezing. Toes tingling. Lft hand tingly. Headache. Thirsty. Muscles randomly twitching thru body. Rt hip throbbing. Trouble falling asleep. Taking muscle relaxer.

6:00a- think I finally fell asleep sometime after 1:30a. Both arms and hands numb and tingly. Whole body aches. Headache. Neck hurts. I don’t want to get up.

9:30a- head pounding, rt ear & jaw throbbing, head swirling making balance more unstable, rt hip throbbing, hands and fingers pins and needles, headache

11:30a- headache, brain feels foggy, eyes hurting, trouble focusing, dizzy, eyes feel heavy, exhausted, pins and needlez in hands, rt hip aches, pins and needles in feet, lower lft leg tourniquit tighten feeling with some numbness, neck throbbing

5:30p- brain hurts. Fogg is great. Headache strong. Know I have things that need to be done but I have no clue what they should be. 

9:57p- 82° outside and I I’m freezing like a popsicle!!! I’m shiverring under covers. Hands like icy. Feet & ankles like ice. PJ pants on, socks, and two tops one long sleeved and I’m under a sheet, a blanket, and a comforter. Rt hip throbbing. Head pounding – headache most of day. Lights bothersome. Screen resolution down all way and it’s still too bright. Eyes hurt. Rt side cramping. Neck hurts. Ears periodic ringing. Took pain rx, migraine, & muscle relaxer. Calves cramping.

Oct 1

5:00a- It feels like I just fell asleep. I’m so tired. Whole body aches.

7:00a- alarm goes off…hit snooze 

7:30a- need to get up. Whole body aches. 

9:40a- 1st load of clothes in dryer, 2nd load in washer, dinner in crockpot. I’m exhausted and hurting. Chest making weird gurggling sound when I breathe occasional. Hands swollen and achy. Rt back neck throbbing, low back aches, lower lft leg starting to feel numbish, head swimmy. Must rest for moment. Need to get ready for TBI.

10:35a- TBI mtg. They’re doing art therapy with occuptional therapy students from South. We are5 design a mask that shows what we’re feeling. I chose lightning bolt in front of the sun, question mark, heart with bandaid, & butterfly. 

3:45p- atty had me in tears. I wasn’t understanding what he was asking and why so I didn’t know how to asnwer questions. He was getting frustrated

Oct ,2

4:00a- woke to muscles cramping in arms, pain in back, shoulders, and center of chest. Headache. Hands swollen and achy.

7:00a- drift off to sleep and get woken by muscle spams. Mine heart faileth. I don’t handle stress well anymore. Having to admit I am unable to do things anymore without it causing much pain breaks my heart.

1:27p- I’m exhausted and hurting. Bad headache. Need to crash.

https://www.fox23.com/news/science/striking-away-lightning-safety-myths/356533760

10:39p- headache, I hurt all over, rt ear throbbing, neck throbbing

https://getpocket.com/explore/item/how-to-survive-a-lightning-strike

Oct 3

6:30a-woke to muscle spams and lft hand numb and tingling, lower lft leg a little numb and tingly, lower back throbbing, muscle spasms in left mid torso   

10:19a- I’m not feeling very good today. Feet freezing. Random muscle spams thru body. Very tired. Going to lay down a while. Headache.

11:30a- intense sharp pain in left side abdomen

12:30p- Need to get up. Not feel right. Bad headache. Whole body hurts.

Bp 105/70 hr 59

Having sharp pains in abdomen. 

6:00p- just about burnt dinner. Smelled something burning. Forgot it was in oven. Ugh!

7:00p- sharp pains under rt arm. Feels like its being dug into. Very annoying and frustrating.

11:21p- whole body aches. Rt ear & jaw throbbing. Entire back throbbing. Lower lft leg tourniquit tighten feeling with some numbness. Hands swollen and achy. Tongue hurts. Head throbbing. Both feet tingly. Neck hurts.

Took night meds, pain rx, & muscle relaxer. 

Sept ,27

1:00p- getting ready for ladies conference this weekend. I’m wore out and out of breath. Rt arm is cramping. Need to rest before we leave.

3:30p- got to check into hotel room early. Went to swim in pool. Able to wade along side of pool until people on other end started getting too roudy and throwing people in pool. Water too choppy and got too much for me. 

Rt arm shooting pain from finger tips to elbow. Chest hurting.

11:30p- back at hotel room. Made goodnight call to Joe. Can tell he misses me. I miss him too but enjoying night with gals. Watching movie with the gals. They’ll probably conk out soon. I’m tired but not sleepy yet.  

Headache. Neck hurts. Feet hurt. Lower lft leg tourniquit tighten feeling with some numbness. Rt hip hurts. Hands ache but not swollen. Rt ear aches. Sinuses seem clearer.

Sept 28

6:30a- 2nd half of ladies conference today. Devotions 1st. 

7:30a- Breakfast at hotel. Woah! Not seen hotel breakfast that busy before. Line out the front door at one point. I had bacon, eggs, potatoes, yogurt, & apple juice. 

8:30a- 2nd breakfast at church. Chick-fil-A minis & Starbucks Ice Coffee. I’m going to regret drinking the coffee later. I’m suppose to be caffeine free, but it tastes so good.

9:00a- conference begins. Music sessions way too loud. I’ve misplaced my earplugs. Ugh! Loud noises cause migraines. 

12:00p- conference over. Decided to check shopping booths out since they wouldn’t be so crowded now. Talked with Debbie Young & Rebecca Henderson. Asked Rebecca if she did custom orders. Explained why…lightning survivor.

1:30p- Mom surprised us and treated us ladies to Olive Garden for lunch. Nice treat. I wasn’t hungry. (I haven’t had much of appetite since the strike.) Nothing on menu looked appetizing. Dezirae wanted specific plate but commented it was too much. I told her I’d half it with her. She agreed. I remember this was/is my favorite restaurant. In my mind, this was where Joe took me on our first date.

3:00p- ladies conference good. I’m exhausted and hurting all over. 

Talked to family for about 1/2 hour once home then went and crashed on bed. I couldn’t push anymore.

7:00p- Joe gentle woke me to see if I wanted to eat dinner. Told him I was still exhausted and hurting. He said I could just sleep. Told him no I need to finish bulletin for tomorrow. 

10:36p- family helped fold bulletins. I’m so exhausted and hurting from head to toe. Told Joe sometimes I wonder if it’s worth it pushing myself thru stuff like this for others benefits when it causes me so much pain. I was encouraged though. Took pain rx & benadryl.

Whole body throbbing. Headache. Feet freezing. Put socks on. Nose runny. Hands swollen and achy. 

Sept 29

11:00a- brain is having trouble processing things today…like the wires are crossed and muddled. Eyes hurt. Muscles in back icy sensation have they, feet getting icy cold- put socks on, headache slightly, vision little blurred, 

Kk says she’s cold so I let her borrow my blanket. 

Rt hip hurts, neck hurts

Sept 30

7:00a- woke up hurting all over and feel quite overwhelmed. I hadn’t even gotten out of bed yet.

8:00a- after reading my Bible, I finally get out of bed. I step on scale. I’ve almost gained back all the weight I’ve lost.  My heart sinks. I know there’s got to be a link between inflammation, pain, and weight but I have no clue how or where to start working on it. 

I head to kitchen and get frustrated bc I feel like my house looks like a bomb exploded. To me, my house is a chaotic mess. Daughter is babysitting today. Boys home sleeping. Kitchen a mess. Laundry everywhere. Checkbook needs balanced so I know what bills I can pay. 

8:35a-Joe reminds me I need to renew tags. Ugh! Today is last day of month! 

https://painfreefatloss.com/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwz8bsBRC6ARIsAEyNnvpXuje69msSx-BapEXMlgTKR4gXC1es8Aa8d6mzg0sJfa6cqYAGDWAaAteDEALw_wcB

9:20a- It’s my dad’s bday & I have no clue what to get him. I feel like melting down. I retrieve to bedroom bc tears escape my eyes. 

I need to run to my “Heavenly Father” bc He alone can pick me up right now. Because deep inside this armour this warrior is a child. I cry for a while.

10:30a- finally able to pull myself together in order to go get tags renewed. Looking at calendar realized today wasn’t Oct 1 but rather Sept 30. I won’t have a late fee after all which helped to ease my nerves some. 

11:24a- I let Joe know all tags were renewed. He asked me to take car to O’Reilly’s for diagnostic testing. 

12:00p- manager very nice. He printed codes out for me. Asked bc I knew I wouldn’t remember in order to tell Joe.

2:30p- had to lay down to rest a while. I’m worn out from going from short trip. Need cat nap to have energy to make birthday pie for Dad.

10:54p- I’m hurting all over. Random prickly pins and needles pain. Lower lft leg tourniquit tighten feeling with some numbness. Neck hurts. Headache. Hands swollen and achy. Lower back hurts. Shoulder muscles tight. Hot flashes. I’m hot now. Bright lights bothersome. I have phone screen brightness all way down and it’s still too bright. Upper legs ache. Toes tingly. Conversations hard to comprehend. Had to have people repeat themselves a lot today to catch all words they said. Eyes hurt. Periodic ringing in ears during day lasting five minutes or less each time.

Muscles randomly spasming.

Sept 24

7:50a- rough night. Nightmares. Severe cramping in legs kept waking me. Bad headache. Whole body aches. Severe congestion. Lights bothersome (have brightness turned all way down & extra app on to darken screen and background is still too bright. Muscles randomly spasming thru body. Hands swollen and achy. Rt ear hurts.

Drinking Thyme tea with Oil of Oregano, peppermint and copabia oil. Think I put too many drops of Oil of Oregano bc my tongue and lips are burning. Ugh!

10:00a- brain feels fogged and overworked…worked on May 2018 for my blog. Wish I knew how to just transfer like copy& paste bc it would be so much easier.  

10:30a- Thankful for Teaching Textbooks. I struggle to even figure out word problems anymore. The words on a page don’t make sense at first anymore. Sometimes it makes me feel so stupid. (I know that’s not true bc I’m still smarter than a 5th grader. Lol.) Took me 10 minutes just to understand one word problem before I could try to explain to my daughter how to put said word problem into a formula. My brain needs a break. 

Vertigo kicking. Got dizzy walking down hall.

11:59a- lunch time already! I feel like I’m in slow mode and rest of day is in super speed.

12:30p- I’m exhausted and brain is hurting & swimming. Need to close my eyes a bit. (Ended up crashing for about an hour.)

Sept 25

1:33p- Taught classes today. Easiest one was ASL. 2nd hour I was blessed with 3 amazing helpers. 3rd hour I sat in Life Skills class and was able to assist with proper techniques for job interviews. I am spent and exhausted. Nerves are tingling thru body and I’m jittery all over. Feel a crash coming soon. Need to eat something bc I forgot to eat breakfast. 

Joe has severe sinus infection which caused the elevated blood pressure and vertigo. Dr gave antihistamine and increased bp rx. Wrote him out of work for a week. Can’t afford that right now. Irritates me.

2:00p- Brain hurts. Kids cooked lunch. Having trouble keeping eyes open. Muscles randomly twitching thru body. Rt hip acjes. Low back rt side burning. Head hurts like it needs to be pried open to relieve pressure.

4:30p-didn’t mean to sleep that long. Guess I needed it.

6:30p- family makes dinner & brownie cake for my birthday. That moment when you forget to hold your hair back while blowing candles out and you catch your hair on fire!!! Oh, the stinch!

7:30p- couldn’t stand the stinch any longer. Had to wash hair. 

11:30p- lower lft leg tourniquit tighten feeling with some numbness. Neck throbbing. Rt side neck hurts more than lft. Headache. Jaws ache. Rt ear hurts. Low back aches. Rt hip aching. Middle of back aches. 

Sept 26

9:00a- had trouble falling asleep last night. Ended up taking muscle relaxer. Finally fell asleep sometime after 2am. Slept til 8:50a. 

12:00p- trying to purchase postage label online for package. Made purchase when I was trying to print label the internet glitched and I lost the page!!! How am I going to retrieve label now? I sat there trying to figure out how but got nowhere fast. Frustrated. My mom came over to ask help with a letter she needed copied. She started asking questions trying to help but that just frustrated me more. Ugh! Decided to take break from label situation and help my mom with her letter issue.

Once she left, I chose to call post office to ask for help. Man on other side off phone said he didn’t know how to help me. Gave me another number to call bc the lady there would know how. Called 2nd number to no avail!! Ahh!!! I need to get label printed. 

Decided to google how. Found not the answer I sought. Thought I guess I have to swallow cost though I couldn’t afford it. Asked God to help. Began to go thru steps to purchase new label and found tab to retrieve past labels. Found one I needed. Took me several tries bc the label wouldn’t pull up when I clicked it, but finally able to print original label without having to purchase 2nd label. What a relief! This all took me couple hours of frustration. 

4:00p- Joe decided it would be best for him to stay home bc he was still not feeling too well and still bit dizzy. He asked me my opinion. I told him I was wrong person to ask bc if I stayed home everytime I was to get dizzy or not feel too well I wouldn’t go anywhere. Why? Because if I turn my head the wrong way I get dizzy. Also, if.a storm decides to roll through town without notice I feel plain aweful and like I’m about to pass out.

8:45p- made it to pharmacy just in time to pick up rx for Joe. Met regular pharmacist. She asked how I was doing & checked to see if Drs made progress about my tongue issue. Said her & other pharmacist was talking about lightning today and she told her about me. She began to talk about how bad off I was at first and bragg about how far I have come. I was able to talk to 2nd pharmacist and helper about my lightning strike and the challenges I’ve faced and am working to overcome. Pharmacist said they should write a book about me. I giggled. Able to tell them about my blogging my symptoms and recovery efforts. Also told them about the lightning survivor support group and how much they have helped me.  

Lft lower lg tourniquit tighten feeling with some numbness with some numbness, feet tingly & aching, skin itches especially in neck area, random sharp pain in rt pinky and thumb midday, eyes watery, rt hip aches making it hard to sit comfortably, low back aches, shoulders ache, neck hurts, light headache

Sept 21

11:51p- almost forgot to write today.

At church from 9am-3pm. Did follow ups today with Joe & daughter. First stop, man given gospel but didn’t want to pray. Second stop, man remembers me. Glad to see us. Joe talked with him little bit. Going to mom’s church. Encouraged him to get baptized. 

Back at church, rested up little then started working on changing out decor for fall. Got side tracked then back to fall decor. Joe studied for sermons tomorrow. 

Then delivered goodie bags to fire fighters and police officers. Then home. Once home, felt wore out and decided to take nap before working on bulletin. Nap only lasted about 20 minutes. Startled by a noise. Couldn’t get back to sleep. Finished bulletin. Started turkey rollups for dinner snack…not really hungry. 

Rt wrist and hand throbbing. Rt elbow aches. Rt side hurts. Back of knees hurt. Lower lft leg tourniquit tighten feeling with some numbness. Exhausted.  Neck hurts. Sharp pain in sides. Feet cold periodically. Tingling in both lower legs. Sinuses congested. Random sharp stabbing pain thru body. Thirsty (didn’t drink enough today). Random muscle spams thru body. 

Sept 22

7:00a- woke from nightmare. Whole body aches. Rt hip throbbing. Muscles pulsating in upper back. Hands swollen and throbbing. Eyes hurt. Tired. 

♫It’s a good thing to give thanks to the Lord and sing praises to His name in the morning He will show His love…♫ wish I could remember the rest. Maybe I’ll just have to write it myself.

9:55a- feeling extra wobbly & dizzy today. Almost fell just walking in auditorium at church. 

10:30- rt hip throbbing. Headache.

11:00a- Do you know how difficult it is to play piano for services when your head hurts and your brain feels like its bouncing on a stormy sea? I really flubbed up on music playing but I did my best. Ears ringing.  Had to sit in pew to support back. Piano bench is extra hard today. Rt hip really hurts.

While playing offertory hymn I was trying to tell Joe that the people not standing. He was busy trying to write me a note to ask if I could play a certain song for the special. When he got up to pray he asked if I read the note. Told him I didnt know he wrote me a note. Read note. At least I know how to play song – Victory in Jesus.

11:49a- rt side of head at my 2 feels like large spike has been driven through. Feet getting cold.

1:00p- feel like I’m going to crash. Need to lay down. Asked Jakob if he would go to dollar store to get me anbesol. Rt jaw throbbing immensely. He graciously got me two kinds. Relief feels good.

1:30p- loud noise stsrtled me just as I was about to dose off. Setting alarm for 3. Have things to do but really need to rest. 

3:45- oops I guess I shut alarm off unknowingly. Needed to rest. Time to make cookies with kids.

6:30- told Joe that dizziness and playing piano don’t mix. He checked my eyes. My vertigo is kicking in. He said eyes are very jumpy. He told me to stop playing. I forgot and did best to play next hymn but quit at last chorus. Played intro to next hymn then stopped. Joe asked church to pray for me bc vertigo kicked in. 

https://www.webmd.com/brain/home-remedies-vertigo

8:30p- had trouble walking down hall. Joe helped me to chair in livingroom. Joe sweet to cook dinner too. 

Needing to wear sunglasses inside. Lights hurting eyes. Lower back & rt hip throbbing like toothache. Headache. 

9:20- going to bed

Sept 23

5:30a- Joe have bad headache causing vomiting. Tried to help but he needs to sleep.

6:30a- take Jordon to work

7:30a- decided I was going to try to do little clean up in kitchen.

Made bisquick mix, coffee cake muffins (name doesn’t match there’s no coffee in them. Things that make you go hmm?), wash some of dishes.

1:54p- exhausted. Need to crash few minutes. Have to leave to take Dezirae to volleyball. It’s away. Not going today couldn’t handle it today anyhow.

2:15p- Woke in time to take Dezirae to vball. 

4:30p- praise Jordon’s co-worker dropped him off at home.

Trouble with ears ringing. At times, it’s like my wjole ear get clogged and I can’t hear out of it. Been jumping back and forth from rt to lft randomly most of day. 

8:00p- cooking dinner late. Asked boys to do dishes. 

9:25p- muscle spams in my lft lip. Ugh!

10:30p- feet freezing & tingly. Headache worsening. Ears have been ringing off and on most of day. Several times left ear seems clogged while it’s ringing. Neck hurts both side. Upper shoylders ache. Back aches. Hands swollen and achy. Random muscle spams thru body. Tired. Dizzy still. Loud noises & bright lights bothersome. Hands feel extra dry & itchy. Rt hip aches. Eyes watery.

Sept 18

8:00a- got to talk to my sister for a while today. Almost lost track of time. 

10:00p- I’m exhausted and wore out from today. Co-op, store, home to rest a while (actually took nap), then back to store to grab few things I forgot earlier. Took another nap after dinner.

I’m hurting all over. Hands swollen and achy. Shoulders and back throbbing. Lower lft leg tourniquit tighten feeling with some numbness. Lower back throbbing. Muscles randomly spasming in legs. Feet burning tingling pain. Stomach hurts. Chest center aches. Eyes watery. 

Currently resting between exercises. Not sure I’ll be able to finish…starting to fall asleep writing it. Skin itchy. Headache. Forearms ache.

10:35p- icy burning sensation in chest center, burning tingling sensation in upper back, legs, and feet. Head is pounding. Took pain rx shortly ago. Hope it kicks in soon. May have to take muscle relaxer. Don’t like taking them bc they give me nightmares. 

11:45p- Took migraine rx to get rid of headache. Headache finally easing. Taking med for sleep.

Sept 19

12:30a- almost asleep and one of kids phobes scared me

5:30a- broken sleep most of night. Woke at 3:30a. Neck hurts. Lower left leg pins and needles with tingling 

11:57a- I’m so exhausted and sleepy. No energy. Need nap. Whole body aches. Rt ear ringing. Headache.

12:00a- This weather really messing me up. Could feel it coming though I knew it not. Lethargic and hurting more than new normal. It’s storming.

4:00p- promised Dezirae to go Walmart to check if they would do online price match online pricing for bookbag she wanted. They did!! PtL! Saved $11 Whoop! Whoop! 

Started storming while inside store. Not going out now. It’s thundering & lightning!!!! Trying to stay calm. 

Door greeter asked me to please not go out while it’s lightning. Told her not to worry. I won’t bc I was struck by lightning two years ago. She gasped. Asked what happened. She replies I’m so glad you’re okay. I told her I’m alive. It’s left me with lasting side effects. She asked what. Told her nerve damage, brain injury, chronic pain among others but I’m doing my best to work thru it. She tapped me on arm and said, “Bless your heart.”

7:33p- need to remember to bring socks to church. Feet freezing. Jakob went and got my blanket for me. If I allow my feet to stay cold long I get headaches. 

9:00p- cold, feet cold. Put socks on.

Hands swollen and achy. Headache. Rt ear hurts. Nose itches. Rt ear itches. 

11:59p- starting to get sleepy. Nech hurts. Tired.  

Sept 20

7:00a- hit snooze. Feels like I just fell asleep. 

7:15a- gotta het up. Need to take Jordon to work. 

8:00a- crazy how certain sounds upset me now. Could hear leaf fluttering under the hood. Think I might need ear muffs.

9:00a- decided to make breakfast. Dezirae showed me how to make bird’s in a nest. Pretty neat. Tasted good.

10:30- realized I needed to input grades before I get too far behind. Took me while to figure out what’s what. Gave myself headache. Ugh!

1:13p- I’ve a headache. Center of chest hurting. Neck hurts. 

2:17p- chest is really hurting causing lft eye to tear up. Took rx. 

I’m beginning to think something else going on because it’s never taken me this long to get over the Costocondritis before. It’s frustrating being limited in physical activity. Makes me feel lazy but when I give in to the guilt I end up hurting myself worse. Ugh!

2:30p- went to Buccees to get deer corn and lunch. Too crowded and too many noises. Had to find a slower corner to calm the spirit.

Hunger started to kick in so headed towards food section. Head is swimming. Too many senses swirling around in head (noises, colors, sounds, scents, etc.). Saw a lady trip over her own feet and thought I was falling reached out to grab Joe’s arm. He looked at me funny and then I realized it wasn’t me. 

3:30p- entire upper chest stinging!!! I do not like stinging pain. Sam I am.

4:00p- why do people have to play their bass so loud? It hurts my whole body!!!!

4:15p- bloody nose unexpected. No notice. Wish I could figure out the cause. 

6:12p- stinging finally stopped but it feels like a thumb hit by a hammer. 

8:37p- chest still throbbing. Feet freezing.

11:24p- so tired of hurting. Took pain rx & muscle relaxer. 

Sept 16

7:00a- fell asleep sometime after midnight. Woke before alarm. Feel like I could sleep longer. Whole body hurts. Sinus congestion. Eyes watering. Both hands and arms numb and tingly upon waking. Hands swollen and achy. Toes & feet achy. Legs ache. Low back throbbing. Rt hip aching. 

11:20a- bp 96/68 hr 64. PT said she was okay with Bp but if it gets any lower she’d be concerned.

Three contributing factors to balance: vestibular, central (muscles and joints), sensory receptors (eyes). [Had to google when I got home because the only words I could remember her saying was vestibular and thre contributing factors].

Suggested neuro psychologist for the cognitive issues. (I know I need help in this area but one I don’t have funds right now and two I’m quite leary about trusting my cognitive issues to a secular psychologist. I know it would help with the cognitive reasoning as well as the anxiety. I’m going to pray that God will provide.)

PT did some testing to check progress. Overall I am improving even though it’s not where we wanted me to be but I am improving. PtL!

I asked her what the students thought of their testing & assessing me. She said that they all have said that was their favorite sessions because it was such an eye opener and helped them on so many levels especially with a lightning survivor.

She also asked me if it was okay to have a second therapist join our session next time to see what she thinks; and kind of get a second opinion on therapy and progress. 

God is so good!

https://vestibular.org/understanding-vestibular-disorder/human-balance-system

https://www.livestrong.com/article/49331-factors-body-equilibrium-balance/

12:00p- muscles in back and arms pins and needles sensation.

5:00p- Dezirae graciously offered to cook dinner. Feet freezing. Put socks on. Starting to get headache.

6:00p- headache eased once feet warmed up. Took socks off.

8:00p- feet starting to get cold. Headache getting stronger. Stomach hurting.

11:13p- trouble falling asleep. Rt hip throbbing. Low back throbbing. Hands swollen, achy, and tingly. Feet cold though have socks on. Still have headache. Rear end throbbing. Upper back aches. Legs ache. Muscles randomly twitching thru body. Lower lft leg tingly and achy. Center of chest hurting. Eyes itchy and watering.  

11:30p- sharp pain in chest. Good it feels NOT! 

Sept 17

4:15a- fell asleep from exhaustion sometime after midnight. Woke suddenly shortly after 4am. When I looked at clock it was 4:20ish. Rt hip screaming. Pins and needles crawling up and down body. Muscle spams mid lft side. Read my Bible on my phone. Prayed for people that came to mind. Fell asleep praying.

7:00a- think I finally fell back to sleep sometime after 5:45 only to have nightmare about being stung by giant bees. The bites swole up like giant warts. The only thing that would kill them was some liquid in a 2 gallon pump sprayer. Later found out the liquid was windex. Ugh!

Oddly enough I woke with following song on my mind…

I will enter His gates with thanksgiving in my heart. I will enter His courts with praise I will say this is the day that the Lord has made I will rejoice for He has made me glad.

He has made me glad, He has made me glad. I will rejoice for he has made me glad. He has made me glad, He has made me glad I will rejoice for he has made me glad. 

Think it’s based off Psalm 100:4

Rt hip still throbbing but not like it was at 4am. Whole body hurt when I woke at 7am. Took a while to get moving. 

8:00a- PT says I need to try to get back more flat when doing some of the exercises she’s assigned. Decided to try the “legs up the wall” pose while doing them to see if it helps. I’ll try to remember to keep ya posted.

I’ve actually been doing it periodically but it’s been hit and miss. https://www.doyouyoga.com/6-benefits-of-legs-up-the-wall-pose-48440/

10:30a- TBI mtg. It amazes me how much people light up when they see Dezirae and myself. Mrs Teresa even took time to sit with us to chat a while.

2:15p- finally home. Need a nap before volleyball game tonight. I’m exhausted. Can feel myself crashing. Rt hip really hurting. Not sure what I did to aggravate it.

3:30p- dumb gps is taking me on interstate. I really dislike interstate!! It is 15 minutes shorter than I remember of route we took in past. I can’t remember route but I know it wasn’t interstate. 

6:00p- Dezirae’s team won match. 3-0. On way home, I yawned and my jaw and neck cramped bad. Had trouble shutting mouth. Extreme pain in jaw and rt ear. Took quite a while for it to subside.

9:12p- I’m so exhausted! Jordon suggested I take the pill that helps me sleep so I can get some much needed rest. He thought it was Tylenol.

Rt hip really hurting. Low back aches. Feet cold. Put socks on. Lower lft leg numbish feeling and is icy cold. Neck aches. Headache. Hiccups. Sinus congestion some. Upper shoulders ache.

9:39p- lower lft leg now prickly, burning pins and needles sensation

https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/foods-that-fight-inflammation

Sept 14

6:50- woke to both hands and arms being numb and tingly. Had nightmare. Toes cold. Lft lower leg tingly. Low back throbbing. Stomach hurts. Stuffy nose. Hurt all over.

12:00- ladies and I put together gift bags this morning for the first responders. I’m exhausted and feel like fading fast. Nerves spit firing. Low back aches. Hands ache. Muscles randomly twitching thru body.

1:00p- nervous about making the gumbo. Asked Sis Talina to help. Kids helped vacuum, mop, sweep, clean doors, wipe walls, sign cards, finish up gift bags & close them, clean nursery, etc. 

4:00- trying to fix a window Bro Jerry noticed my hands were shaking. Thought I was hiding it but guess not. Told him it was from my nerves.

5:30p- stop at store on way home to pick flowers for tomorrow. 

6:30p- made it home, put pizza in oven and crashed on chair in living room. I’m exhausted and hurting. 

7:00p- finished up bulletins. Asked family to help fold them and put revival fliers in them. 

10:00p- I’m beyond exhausted and really hurting all over. Chest aches. Hands swollen and achy. Lower left leg tourniquit tighten feeling with some numbness. Lft toes tingly. Back and shoulders stinging. Surprisingly I only had a slight headache today. Shooting sharp pain in rt hand to elbow. Been having trouble taking backwards and messing up what I’m trying to say. Rt shpulder throbbing. Rt hip throbbing.

Sept 15

4am- startled awake to sound of door shutting but couldn’t determine from which it came. 

6am- took long time to fall back asleep. Had nightmare. Apparently kneed my husband in back sometime in night. I’m tired. Whole body aches. Muscles randomly twitching thru body. 

7:15a- Dezirae lets me know three gift bags are missing thank you cards. Ugh! Now have to open all of them to find which three and put thank cards in them. Wish she told me yday.

9:30a- wrote tithe check. Thought I put it on my purse but its not there. Ugh! Brain is swimming today. One of twins brought me a carmel apple today! Awh!  Brain feels like it’s swimming. Feeling xtra dizzy. Lord, please don’t let me fall. Eyes blinking excessively. Trying to stop but they wont. Bothersome.

11:30p- my friend and her daughter finally came. Yay! Found check…I inadvertently put it in my Bible. Lol. 

3:00p- had good turn out today. Mayor of Bayou, Chief of Port Police, Police officer of Bayou, Fire Fighters, and Military were there. One saved today too. PtL!

4:40p- twas putting food away quite slowing. I’m exhausted and fading. Son tells me he will get it bc I need to go lay down and rest. No argument here.

5:40p- awaken by phone call. I’m so tired think I’ll lay down just a bit longer.

8:30p- Joe came to check to see if I was okay. Got up for little while. Still wore out. Put food in cooler away.

10:00p- think it’s time for bed. School in am. Pt tomorrow.

Sinus congestion. Whole body hurts. Headache. Ears ringing off and on. Hands swollen and achy. Rt hip throbbing. Neck hurts. Feet cold…put on socks. Low back throbbing. Chin itches. Starting to feel chilly.