Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Lost 10 pounds!
It's amazing what 2 weeks can do for a girl. Sparkpeople.com is really helping with the accountability factor and support. Love it.
sick kids
Well, DS11 is still sick. We've been battling this sinus infection since early December. We've been through waiting it out and 6 weeks of antibiotics--one of which nearly killed him. We finally got a referral for the ENT doc so we will go early on Friday morning.
Right now, the pediatrician said to just let him lay around and sleep. His system is just about shut down from all of the medicines. We are off all antibiotics until the new doc sees him. We're just on a massive decongestant.
I don't know what they can do about finding a medicine that can work. The pediatrician mentioned that he may need to be on IV meds to get it all cleared out.
No wonder the kid has been miserable lately.
Right now, the pediatrician said to just let him lay around and sleep. His system is just about shut down from all of the medicines. We are off all antibiotics until the new doc sees him. We're just on a massive decongestant.
I don't know what they can do about finding a medicine that can work. The pediatrician mentioned that he may need to be on IV meds to get it all cleared out.
No wonder the kid has been miserable lately.
Friday, January 18, 2008
I've been sparked!
After watching the E! Entertainment show on fad diets and seeing SparkPeople.com offered as a sane and rational alternative to the fads, I decided to check it out.
Turns out, it is a blend of support, accountability, and goal setting. There is a lot of motivational information there and I have already met some really nice people. The articles are great and I find that when I have to log in my choices and have them stare me in the face, that I have no room for selective memory about the choices that I am making.
I am loving this so far and I have lost 7 pounds this week. Okay, okay, I know that it is mostly water, but it feels pretty darn good to be able to much more easily button my jeans.
Turns out, it is a blend of support, accountability, and goal setting. There is a lot of motivational information there and I have already met some really nice people. The articles are great and I find that when I have to log in my choices and have them stare me in the face, that I have no room for selective memory about the choices that I am making.
I am loving this so far and I have lost 7 pounds this week. Okay, okay, I know that it is mostly water, but it feels pretty darn good to be able to much more easily button my jeans.
P.A.N.D.A.S. are not just fuzzy bears...
Okay, to be technical, pandas aren't bears at all, but are more closely related to racoons (hence the markings). But the P.A.N.D.A.S. that I am referring to is a pediatric neurological disorder that DS11 has been diagnosed with. It happens when the immune system makes way too many antibodies after being exposed to strep. Then the antibodies attack the part of the child's brain that regulates emotion. It brings out strong OCD symptoms. We're having a flare up. It has been a very wild week for us and I haven't had a chance to write anything up for the blog.
Unfortunately, because this flare up brought about different symptoms this time, I didn't see it for what it was at first. This time it was all about guilt and worry. Plus, he couldn't sleep because he was afraid that he would die in his sleep. Last year (the first time we saw it from PANDAS) it was very different. He saw disturbing images in his mind.
So our wonderful "shrink" has changed his medicine and we will know by Tuesday or Wednesday if it is helping. We also have Xanax to help with emergency melt downs. If this new cocktail of medication doesn't work, we may have to rely really heavily on the Xanax and risk making him a zombie for the 3-4 months that his antibodies will remain elevated.
Also, his sinus infection hasn't cleared up. The doctor is giving us another antibiotic to try and I will have to call the pediatrician to see about getting DS11's sinus cavity x-rayed.
We did have a wonderful, small snowfall this week with big, lovely flakes. I went out and took pics of hubby and kiddos. I will post them when I can. Since it was gone by morning (no snow day--boo hoo), I am glad that I got them when I did. It was a wonderful diversion from the OCD symptoms for DS11, a rare moment of total focus and clarity for him. Those moments are the memories that I will hold forever.
What can I say, when it comes to my kids, it's a love thing. A maddening, stressful, insane love thing.
Unfortunately, because this flare up brought about different symptoms this time, I didn't see it for what it was at first. This time it was all about guilt and worry. Plus, he couldn't sleep because he was afraid that he would die in his sleep. Last year (the first time we saw it from PANDAS) it was very different. He saw disturbing images in his mind.
So our wonderful "shrink" has changed his medicine and we will know by Tuesday or Wednesday if it is helping. We also have Xanax to help with emergency melt downs. If this new cocktail of medication doesn't work, we may have to rely really heavily on the Xanax and risk making him a zombie for the 3-4 months that his antibodies will remain elevated.
Also, his sinus infection hasn't cleared up. The doctor is giving us another antibiotic to try and I will have to call the pediatrician to see about getting DS11's sinus cavity x-rayed.
We did have a wonderful, small snowfall this week with big, lovely flakes. I went out and took pics of hubby and kiddos. I will post them when I can. Since it was gone by morning (no snow day--boo hoo), I am glad that I got them when I did. It was a wonderful diversion from the OCD symptoms for DS11, a rare moment of total focus and clarity for him. Those moments are the memories that I will hold forever.
What can I say, when it comes to my kids, it's a love thing. A maddening, stressful, insane love thing.
Friday, January 11, 2008
Friends, therapy, and adrenal glands
I always look forward to my little coffee klatches with my friend Kristin during our sons' group therapy sessions. And, despite the fact that the Dunkin Donuts coffee was really nasty today (usually not the case), it turned out to be an amazing thing.
In addition to the 3 million things that we try to cram into a conversation that is far too short, and giggling at her daughter's antics (she's a hoot!), we happened onto the topic of hormones, endocrine problems, etc.
First off, I should probably give some background for folks who don't know me well. Kristin and I both have Aspie kids. We both live it 24/7. She is my only friend who really, truly, GETS the mess that is my life, sometimes. I don't have to explain it to her, she just KNOWS what is in my head. And one of the things parents with kids on the Autistic Spectrum have to deal with is doing incredible amounts of research into alternative treatments, diets, neurology, studies that are being formed, studies that have been completed (far too few that are reliable), and the AMA's avoidance of actually having any reliable treatments or therapies for our kids. I have earned my own special brand of medical degree from having to find out answers for myself that the medical community (who should know and acknowledge much of this) refuses to admit even exists. Kristin is in the same boat. We share lots of information and data. We compare notes on doctors, therapies, digestive enzymes, and nutritional supplements.
I have been to a series of doctors through the years for problems that I have had relating to depression, inability to lose weight, significant hair loss that won't grow back (I have had to wear wigs for the last 5 years), and thyroid problems. Other than with helping me with the low thyroid, I can't find answers. Kristin mentioned that she had a discussion with her doctor about how hormones and adrenal function can affect metabolism. Kristin promised to send me some info, but since my email is mysteriously down, I can't receive anything.
I googled adrenal gland function and got a heck of an interesting read. I have many of the symptoms of adrenal failure and my hair loss could be explained by this. I can't wait to get more information. It finally might be something worth pursuing.
Then, I called my mom and mentioned this to her and she told me that my Grandmother had and my Aunt has a condition called ichthyosis. It is caused from adrenal dysfunction. So, I have a direct family history of adrenal problems and didn't even know it. Score another one for the self-made medical degree!
It's nice to have hope that I can feel better. I can't imagine what I would do with hair that actually grows out of my own head. I'd like to find out.
In addition to the 3 million things that we try to cram into a conversation that is far too short, and giggling at her daughter's antics (she's a hoot!), we happened onto the topic of hormones, endocrine problems, etc.
First off, I should probably give some background for folks who don't know me well. Kristin and I both have Aspie kids. We both live it 24/7. She is my only friend who really, truly, GETS the mess that is my life, sometimes. I don't have to explain it to her, she just KNOWS what is in my head. And one of the things parents with kids on the Autistic Spectrum have to deal with is doing incredible amounts of research into alternative treatments, diets, neurology, studies that are being formed, studies that have been completed (far too few that are reliable), and the AMA's avoidance of actually having any reliable treatments or therapies for our kids. I have earned my own special brand of medical degree from having to find out answers for myself that the medical community (who should know and acknowledge much of this) refuses to admit even exists. Kristin is in the same boat. We share lots of information and data. We compare notes on doctors, therapies, digestive enzymes, and nutritional supplements.
I have been to a series of doctors through the years for problems that I have had relating to depression, inability to lose weight, significant hair loss that won't grow back (I have had to wear wigs for the last 5 years), and thyroid problems. Other than with helping me with the low thyroid, I can't find answers. Kristin mentioned that she had a discussion with her doctor about how hormones and adrenal function can affect metabolism. Kristin promised to send me some info, but since my email is mysteriously down, I can't receive anything.
I googled adrenal gland function and got a heck of an interesting read. I have many of the symptoms of adrenal failure and my hair loss could be explained by this. I can't wait to get more information. It finally might be something worth pursuing.
Then, I called my mom and mentioned this to her and she told me that my Grandmother had and my Aunt has a condition called ichthyosis. It is caused from adrenal dysfunction. So, I have a direct family history of adrenal problems and didn't even know it. Score another one for the self-made medical degree!
It's nice to have hope that I can feel better. I can't imagine what I would do with hair that actually grows out of my own head. I'd like to find out.
Starghan revisited...
Well, after the first star that ended up being oddly amoeba-like. I started one with another similar pattern that had a different method of ending each round. This method seems to like me better. Above is a picture that I took on Wednesday.
After being very ill on Thursday, I resumed work on it today and this is what is looks like as of this evening. Each blade of the star is 16 inches from the center. I honestly don't know how big it will end up being. I have 3 different colors in each of the two bands and 3 more colors in the second band. I have 3 colors remaining that I haven't used. If I need additional bands, I guess I will take 1 color from each of the previous bands and repeat it in each subsequent band so that it is still unique. The colors aren't showing true in the pictures, but the first band is purple, lime green, and rust. The second band is mustard, medium rose, and dusty blue. The third band will be olive green, antique rose, and colonial blue.The decrease lines are kind of crooked, but hey, it's actually star shaped this time and I am thrilled!!!
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Starghan take 2
Okay, something about me and the first pattern I tried just didn't seem to understand each other. I ended up with a wonky mess and not a star. For the record, I don't think that it was the pattern, as I have seen several gorgeous examples on the web and blogs that used the same pattern and don't mention corrections.
So, while it was a bummer, I set off in search of another pattern that would perhaps, like me better. I think I have found one. If it works out, I will post a link.
The worst part is that I had actually made fair progress on the first one and I loved the colors together. It was also the first time I have used Caron's Super Soft yarn and it is unbelievably nice to work with and not too terribly expensive. For color, I am adding in random stripes (in groups of 3 is the plan) of Lion Brand Vanna's Choice yarn that I got on sale. I do love the colors of that yarn, if not the full retail price.
If it works, it will be absolutely gorgeous. I'd also like to do a round ripple afghan in the near future. I am loving this!
I have two colleagues that are getting married this summer (not to each other) and I'd love to make each of them a white or off-white throw to cuddle under. Remember back in the day when cuddling was a priority??? Ah, good times. Good times.
Plus, another colleague is leaving us to go to law school next year (full scholarship, no less--you GO girl!). I'd like to make her a prayer shawl or throw to take with her. I've really enjoyed getting to know her this year.
Plus, there are family gifts for next Christmas. Plus, there is always project Linus. One of my students asked me to teach her to crochet. I'm tickled about that one. Sounds like fun to me.
Additionally, my big extra-curricular project for this year is preparing students for the American Legion Oratorical Contest. However, my little contestants are dropping like flies (it's embarrasing, actually), so I may not have to continue with this much longer. Which will give me more time to crochet and work with my little crafty kids. Hmm. Maybe things will be picking up.
So, while it was a bummer, I set off in search of another pattern that would perhaps, like me better. I think I have found one. If it works out, I will post a link.
The worst part is that I had actually made fair progress on the first one and I loved the colors together. It was also the first time I have used Caron's Super Soft yarn and it is unbelievably nice to work with and not too terribly expensive. For color, I am adding in random stripes (in groups of 3 is the plan) of Lion Brand Vanna's Choice yarn that I got on sale. I do love the colors of that yarn, if not the full retail price.
If it works, it will be absolutely gorgeous. I'd also like to do a round ripple afghan in the near future. I am loving this!
I have two colleagues that are getting married this summer (not to each other) and I'd love to make each of them a white or off-white throw to cuddle under. Remember back in the day when cuddling was a priority??? Ah, good times. Good times.
Plus, another colleague is leaving us to go to law school next year (full scholarship, no less--you GO girl!). I'd like to make her a prayer shawl or throw to take with her. I've really enjoyed getting to know her this year.
Plus, there are family gifts for next Christmas. Plus, there is always project Linus. One of my students asked me to teach her to crochet. I'm tickled about that one. Sounds like fun to me.
Additionally, my big extra-curricular project for this year is preparing students for the American Legion Oratorical Contest. However, my little contestants are dropping like flies (it's embarrasing, actually), so I may not have to continue with this much longer. Which will give me more time to crochet and work with my little crafty kids. Hmm. Maybe things will be picking up.
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